Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets

Parashat Mishpatim. Exodus 21:1-24:18

Since the beginning of our experience with Bat Kol Institute, we were introduced to the Deuteronomic verse “We will hear and we will do” (Deut. 5:24).  We grew up with it; we heard our teachings and then we did what we learned.

Here in Mishpatim, however, we read, “We will do and we will hear” (Ex. 24:7).  

What are the circumstances where it is important for us ‘to do’ before we can clearly and deeply hear? Consider that the meaning for “to do” (na’aseh) is very straightforward. It means, “We will do.”  It is about action, about our behavior.  “We will hear” (nishma) could also mean “We will obey” or “We will understand.”

In life, there are circumstances where we truly do not understand or fully appreciate why we are called to do something. It is in the doing, it is in the practicing of the activity that ‘will hear’, that we can truly understand at a deeper level what it is that we are doing and why we are doing it.

This is how we are following the words of Exodus; ‘we will do and we will hear’ or we will obey. Instinctively, in such circumstances, we understand over time that it is important to do before we can truly understand. For us to engage in such a journey requires a level of trust that the wisdom of those who have gone before us has refined the road ahead.

Note that we often engage in or practice as a community, then we understand on an individual level.

Reflection:

Can you recall circumstances in your life where you were called to do before you could understand and, furthermore, is there anything that you are currently called to practice before you fully understand their meaning?

Let our prayer be, “Everything the LORD has said, we will do.” (Ex. 19:8)

                 Prepared by Julien Fradette

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