Synopsis Mishpatim - the Jewish slave and other laws

Parashat Mishpatim, located in the Book of Exodus (21:1–24:18), presents a detailed compilation of laws that were intended to guide the Israelite community following the revelation at Mount Sinai. This section encompasses a wide range of civil, criminal, and ritual directives, emphasizing justice, ethical behavior, and social responsibility.

The portion begins with regulations concerning Hebrew servitude. A Hebrew servant is to serve for six years and be released in the seventh year without payment. If the servant was unmarried upon entering service but marries during his term, his wife and children remain with the master upon his release, unless he chooses to stay with them as a servant. For female servants, if her master or his son decides to marry her, she is to be treated as a daughter. If not, she must be redeemed, and her rig ...