Shalom, Mitspacha!
“And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keeps his bed: If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.”
- Shemot 21:18-19
YHVH’s Torah does not sweep human conflict under the carpet - it regulates it with mercy and justice. When injury occurs, the law requires responsibility: healing and compensation, not vengeance. The offender must repair the damage, and the community must facilitate restoration so both parties may be reconciled.
This teaching shows the dignity YHVH assigns to the human body and the image of Elohim in every person. To injure another is therefore a sacred violation. Torah’s prescription is practical and pastoral: provide healing, replace lost time or work, and restore the injured one to wholeness. Repentance without repair is incomplete.
The mitzvot concerning personal injury require us to hold one another accountable with compassion. If you have caused harm - by a blow, a careless act, harsh words that produced physical or emotional harm, or neglect that led to injury - you are called to make tangible restitution. This may include paying for medical care, compensating for lost wages, or providing ongoing support until recovery.
Practically, guard your temper and steward your hands and speech. Train your household to value peace and de-escalation. When reconciliation is needed, lead with confession and concrete acts of repair. In doing so we reflect YHVH’s justice - accountability balanced with mercy - and we enable healing within the camp.
Abba YHVH, teach us to walk in gentleness and truth. Heal the wounds we have caused, knowingly or unknowingly. Where anger has flared, bring peace. Where harm has occurred, bring restoration. Give us courage to make restitution and humility to accept correction. May our lives be instruments of Your repair and reconciliation.
Baruch YHVH.
May YHVH bless you and keep you.
May YHVH cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and give you shalom.
- Bemidbar 6:24-26
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.