Parshat Mishpatim - Jewish Sensitivity
by Rabbi Lobel

"When an individual will steal an ox or sheep, slaughter and sell it, he shall be liable five cattle in place of the ox and four sheep in place of the sheep." (Exodus: Parshat Mishpatim Chapter 21 verse 37)

Rashi, a commentary on the Torah, quotes Rabban Yochanan Ben Zakai to explain the discrepancy in punishment between the ox and the sheep. "G-d had pity on people's dignity, for the ox that walks on his feet and through which the thief was not humiliated by carrying it on his shoulders, he pays five times the principal; however, the sheep which must be carried, the thief pays only four times the principal since he was embarrassed."

The Torah is more lenient on punishment in the case of the sheep because the petty thief was embarrassed when carrying the sheep to safety (sheep don't run very well). It's amazing how the justice system is so meticulous in treating the thief even though he himself doesn't feel the embarrassment. By the Torah's calculation and perspective, the thief gained nothing, since the loss from embarrassment was equal to the stolen sheep. Obviously, the thief values his honor far less than does the Torah.

Why does the Torah take into account the thief's embarrassment if he does not care? It seems that, even though the thief does not appreciate his self-respect, the Torah does. Even a thief's honor has worth and the Torah will not disregard him because of his deficiency to understand it and value it, he is a human being.

This insight allows us to understand the sensitivity one must have for a fellow man. In interpersonal relationships it is crucial for us, in order to effectively communicate, to have the utmost sensitivity. Rabbi Shaya Cohen writes (the Secret of Happiness) "happiness is a state of being where a person feels validated, good about himself, and worthy." It is up to us to respect all of these emotions so that an individual may achieve and feel the self dignity that is so imperative to function as an upstanding human being.

Respect and sensitivity are most important when dealing with our family, especially our children. Our children need to feel validated and worthy so that they may feel dignified and respected; this in turn will allow us to have the proper positive influence as parents.