Parashat Mishpatim contains one of the most famous pesukim in the entire Torah – Beneh Yisrael’s declaration of נעשה ונשמע – “We will do and we will hear.” This declaration, which was made at the time of Matan Torah at Mount Sinai, is considered one of the greatest moments in our people’s history, as our ancestors announced their unlimited and unconditional commitment to Hashem’s laws.
Many different explanations have been given for the precise meaning of נעשה ונשמע. One explanation is that even when נעשה, when we are doing, when we are busy, when we are preoccupied, when we are under pressure, when we have tons going on, even then, נשמע – we will hear Hashem’s voice.
In the Book of Devarim, Moshe recalls the event of Matan Torah, and describes how there was a קול גדול ולא יסף – a “great voice which did not stop.” Hashem’s voice which our ancestors heard at Mount Sinai is still being sounded. He is calling to us even today, at all times, calling upon us to place our trust in Him, to obey His laws, and to seize the opportunities for growth and for performing mitzvot.
The challenge of נעשה ונשמע is to hear that voice even during times of נעשה, when we’re busy and preoccupied with many different things. Even then, we must keep our ears open, and find the opportunities which Hashem sends our way.
This includes “hearing” the pain and struggles of other people. Even when we are busy dealing with our own problems and our own issues, we need to remain attuned to the needs of our fellowman. Even when we are struggling, other people are also struggling, and could use a kind word, sensitivity, attention, and a helping hand. נעשה ונשמע – even when we ourselves are very busy, let us hear them and be attuned to their needs.
Parashat Mishpatim begins with the law of the עבד עברי – “Hebrew servant.” This is a man who was convicted of theft, but could not afford to pay the victim what he stole. He would therefore be sold as a servant, and the money he received would be used to pay the victim. The Torah requires the master to release him after six years of work. Additionally, the master is to treat him with respect and sensitivity. He is not allowed to have him perform overly difficult or demeaning labor, and he must treat him as part of the household, giving him the same food and comforts that everyone else in the home enjoys.
This man was caught stealing – but nevertheless, he is to be treated with dignity. Of course, he needs to be punished for his crime. But at the same time, we cannot overlook his struggles and hardships which led him to the desperate measure of stealing. He deserves sensitivity, and he deserves a second chance.
נעשה ונשמע. We all have our struggles. Let us make sure not to allow our struggles to blind us to the struggles of others. Let us always be attentive and sensitive to the needs of the people around us – even when we are busy and burdened with our own issues.