During our lives, we have to live all kinds of experiences: some are rewarding, and we remember these good moments with gratitude and appreciation. However, there is also a tendency to remember the difficult and challenging moments, the wrong decisions, and the adverse situations we faced. It is in these instances that we run the risk of becoming stuck in the past, mired in regret, pain, guilt and self-criticism.
It is understandable that when we contemplate the past, we are tempted to blame ourselves, or to look for external culprits: society, our circumstances, and even other individuals who have influenced our path. But holding on to these limiting perceptions prevents us from moving forward and building a better future. The truth is that as the wise say, the past is history, the future is uncertain, and the only tangible moment we possess is the present.
The Torah invites us to embrace the present and use our past experiences as catalysts for personal growth. In our Parshat Mishpatim, we find fundamental teachings about building a healthy, just society and overcoming our individual lives.
The first episode that is highlighted in this parsha is the controversial issue of the Jewish burglar, who, due to his dishonest act, is forced to sell his freedom to compensate for the damage caused and become a slave.
However, the Torah establishes that this individual, in addition to the employer, must treat him with respect and with all human rights just as he would treat himself, he must also be released in the seventh year. This law does not support slavery, but rather highlights the importance of providing opportunities for redemption and reintegration into society to those who have made mistakes. It is a call to personal transformation and individual empowerment.
The fundamental lesson that emerges from this concept is that our past should not define our future. Instead of succumbing to the weight of guilt and past hardships, we should use these experiences as platforms toward a fuller, more meaningful life. Learn from our mistakes, grow from them, and use them as solid foundations to build a brighter future on the path to a more rewarding existence.
By taking a proactive attitude toward our past, transforming it into lessons, we can shape a future full of possibilities and accomplishments, with the ability to heal our emotional wounds and turn our setbacks into opportunities for growth.
By embracing this philosophy, we embark on a journey towards authenticity, resilience and personal fulfillment. May every day be an opportunity to live in the fullness of the present and build the future we want.
Hodesh Tov & Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Refael Cohen