No human is perfect. We’re broken by nature, which is a large reason why the world needs repair (tikkun olam). Jewish beliefs promote justice, fairness, and righteousness as a way to build the world with kindness (olam chesed yibaneh) and for the better. In practice, it’s known as mishpat.
This article explains its interpretation of justice, how mishpat compares to the meaning of compassion and righteousness, as well as what everyday male and female Jewish philanthropists can do to invite the maxim into their daily lives.
The Meaning of Mishpat
The Hebrew term mishpat directly translates to ‘justice’ in English. Its general definition encompasses fairness, equity, and impartiality. However, mishpat takes on greater significance in Jewish values. Our version of true justice isn’t exclusive to courtrooms. It’s informed by G-d’s ultimate authority and loving-kindness (chesed), then administered by religious leaders, synagogues, and those who operate traditional systems of accountability. Mishpat is a word as old as Jewish history itself. You can find it throughout religious texts like the Hebrew Old Testament of the Bible, where the term is used over 200 times. Exodus 21:1 mentions a related concept called ‘mishpatim,’ or ‘ordinances’. These are the formal religious laws (halacha) and commandments (mitzvot) that Jews live by every day. Our rebbes cite Talmudic scholars, Torah commentators, Hasidic masters, Chabad leaders, and famous Jewish philanthropists as examples of living out mishpat. The main source of everyone’s understanding is the Torah itself. In Deuteronomy 16:20, Moses instructs the Israelites to pursue justice above all else, so that they may live and inherit the land G-d has given them. The Talmud expands on this, stating that “The world is sustained by three things: Torah, the service of G-d, and deeds of kindness” (Pirkei Avot 1:2). Mishpat falls under ‘deeds of kindness’.Mishpat Versus Tzedek
Another key Hebrew term often associated with mishpat is tzedek, or ‘righteousness’. While the two concepts are closely related, there are some important distinctions. Tzedek refers to the innate righteousness and fairness of an act itself. Mishpat, on the other hand, refers to the way in which righteousness is applied and upheld in society through systems, laws, and human actions. In other words, tzedek can be informally understood as a noun rather than a verb, encapsulating the concept of fair governance at large. Jews who engage in the real-world implementation of this standard are practicing mishpat.Being a Vessel of Mishpat
Respecting the sanctity of human life, dignity and respect, and mutual responsibility (arvut hadadit) is a relatively straightforward obligation. We can all recognize the good (hakarat hatov) in others and perform philanthropy and charity (tzedakah) when we make a conscious effort to do so. G-d is better positioned to judge the inner workings of a person’s heart. Human logic or notions of fairness can’t be the basis for determining what is right and wrong. Our limited perspective is prone to bias and selfishness. Instead, we must rely on G-d’s infinite wisdom and the Torah’s ethical guidance. Practicing mishpat means:- Treating others equally regardless of their social status or identity
- Giving to organizations that support the poor and needy
- Standing up for those who are oppressed or marginalized
- Showing empathy and kindness in difficult situations
- Pursuing peaceful resolutions to conflicts
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