Parsha:

Mishpatim 

Description

Such an odd sequence, to pledge to "do" before hearing what it is that you are to do! When a people makes such a pledge before a king or a tyrant, the only promise that will ensue is their own slavery... Jews at Har Sinai proclaimed a sentiment foreign for so many people today. They spoke out with one voice of faith and belief. The Talmud, in Shabbat 88, goes on to say that God likened those Jews to the angels, for they too, are totally submissive to God. Such a sentiment, to be submissive to God, is anathema in certain circles today. Rabbi Soloveitchik sees our ratzon elyon as the singular endowment that distinguishes us from the rest of creation.