Mishpatim (משפטים – laws)
Exodus 21:1-24:18 and Jeremiah 34:8-22 & 33:25-26.
In Parashat Mishpatim, The Lord, through the voice of Moses, conveys a set of laws governing civil life and reaffirms His covenant with Israel. In the Haftarah, the prophet Jeremiah reproaches the people for not upholding these laws, announces exile, and reminds them of the permanence of the divine covenant.
Exodus 23:6
לֹא תַטֶּה מִשְׁפַּט אֶבְיֹנְךָ, בְּרִיבוֹ.
You shall not pervert the judgment of your needy in his dispute.
In Judaism, sacredness applies both to the court and the synagogue. The Sages teach that one who desires to be pious must strictly observe civil laws (Bava Kamma 30a). The Rabbinical Courts(1), integrated into the Israeli judicial system, handle matters of personal status (marriage, divorce, wills, and inheritances). Supervised by the Ministry of Religious Services, judges are appointed by a selection committee(2). Israel has 12 regional Rabbinical Courts(3), including the Rabbinical Court of Jerusalem, which also serves as an appellate court. A few years ago, this court moved into a new building located in the Givat Shaul neighborhood, west of the city.
(1) The Supreme Court has limited their power in financial disputes, favoring civil courts.
(2) The selection committee is responsible for appointing judges to all rabbinical courts, including regional courts and the Rabbinical Beth Din of Jerusalem. It consists of: the Minister of Justice (or their representative), a Supreme Court judge, two Knesset members, a rabbi representing both Chief Rabbis of Israel, and a representative from each Ashkenazi and Sephardic community. These representatives are appointed by the Chief Rabbi of their respective community. They are distinguished figures, often influential rabbis or respected religious leaders. Their role in the committee is to ensure the traditions of their respective communities.
(3) The 12 regional courts are located in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be’er Sheva, Rishon LeZion, Ashkelon, Petah Tikva, Netanya, Afula, Kiryat Shmona, Tiberias, and Beit She’an. The Grand Rabbinical Beth Din of Jerusalem serves as the supreme judicial authority and appellate court.