Think before you act. Under both halacha (Jewish law) and civil law, our actions have ramifications.

The Torah, as elucidated through the teachings of the Talmud is particularly focused on protecting, and ultimately compensating, an individual for harm done to them. However, if that is the case, then why did the Torah choose the phrase “an eye for an eye” to illustrate the monetary compensation in this case?

To appreciate Maimonides’ answer to this question, read this enlightening thought entitled “’An Eye for an Eye’ in Jewish Law” from Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald’s Torah message on this week’s Torah portion, Mishpatim 5781-2021. Out of respect for Shabbat, please consider printing it on Friday afternoon if you plan to read it on Shabbat.