Shabbat Mishpatim

In his drash for our 51st Anniversary Shabbat, CBST Past President Gregg Passin explored the true meaning of one of the Covenant Code’s seemingly harshest dictates: “an eye for an eye.” 

He interprets the code within its historical context: as an interdiction against excessive and unequal retribution for violence.

He also explored the code’s implications for the violent Israel/Hamas war. “I pray for peace,” he said, “and I pray that a misguided interpretation of ‘an eye for an eye’ creates no more widows or orphans in Israel or Gaza.”

Gregg Passin delivered this drashah at Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, February 9, 2023 / 1 Adar 5784.

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