5786/2026
In the previous Parshi’ot, we see Hashem showering us with constant goodness — rescuing us from Mitzrayim, splitting the sea, and ultimately giving us the Torah at Har Sinai. Hashem shows us what Chesed looks like on the grandest scale. In this week's parsha, the focus shifts. The Torah turns the spotlight on us and asks: “How do we treat one another?” It introduces the concept of Ayin Tachat Ayin. One might think that revenge underlies this issue, but the Gemara (Bava Kamma 83b) uses a Hekesh, linking “Makeh Adam” to “Makeh Beheimah,” to teach that just as damage to an animal is paid monetarily, so too damage to a person is compensated. Ayin Tachat Ayin is not about punishment; it’s a system of responsibility and repayment. If Jews God forbid harm each other, they don’t walk away; they take ownership and make things right.
The Torah goes into great detail about this Mitzvah, outlining various forms of compensation, including payment for permanent damage, pain, medical expenses, lost wages, and even embarrassment. Through these laws, the Torah isn’t just creating a legal system — it’s teaching a core Jewish value: that being a Jew means taking responsibility for the impact of our actions and caring deeply about the well-being and dignity of others.
With so many rules governing this Mitzvah, the Torah clearly encourages us to work on ourselves by developing this Middah and taking responsibility.