February 13, 2010 | 29 Shevat 5770
Exodus 21:1-24:18

In January of 2002, WISN, the ABC affiliate news station in Milwaukee, interviewed Ella Huffin and reported on the tree outside of her kitchen window. One morning, a few weeks before Christmas, an image of Jesus appeared on the tree’s trunk. Since her discovery, people have made the trip to Ms. Huffin’s back yard to view the tree, most having no problem making out the image which appears to have naturally formed in the tree’s bark. Ms. Huffin is quoted as saying, “Why it's there I have no idea. I have no idea, but the only thing I can say it's something good because he stands for something good.” She later expresses her feelings of blessedness and hopes to share her blessing with others. 

In 1996, a customer, after settling into his chair with a hot cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll discovered that his tasty, high caloric pastry bore a striking resemblance to the great Catholic missionary Mother Teresa k’z. This miraculous display of culinary spirituality was preserved and exhibited for patrons and believers alike until it was stolen in 2007 from the Nashville doughnut shop.

More recently, station WBZ in Boston ran a story in October, 2008 about a group of worshipers and spectators who gathered together in the parking lot of the Springfield medical building to see an image of the Virgin Mary that formed by the sun light refracting off a tinted second floor window. Richard Fontaine, a patient at the medical complex stated, "You can see her hands together in a praying form... but I think she's here," he said. "She wants people to come back to God."

I bring you these stories not to humiliate or denigrate those who find meaning and spirituality from these experiences. On the contrary, I must be honest and admit that on some level I am envious. I have never had an experience like the ones described above. I never looked out my kitchen window to see the Ten Commandments molded in the trunk of a tree or ordered food at a restaurant only to have my meal delivered in the shape of Mount Sinai. I have never experience these types of incredible and incomprehensible sightings; visions that could renew my commitment to God and strengthen my connection to our spiritual tradition. Or have I? 

This week, we read Parshat Mishpatim which signals our transition from the Aggadic (story) sections of our Torah to the Halakhic (legal). Of course within the Aggadic sections of the Torah we find halakic material and vise-versa but up until now, our parshiot have been mainly retelling the adventures of our ancestors. Now we begin to read about the laws, and Parshat Mishpatim is full of them. However, the transition from stories to legal material is not as smooth as I would have expected.  At the end of last week’s parsha, Yitro, we read about the building of the altar where the priests will make offerings to God. Next week’s parsha, Parshat Terumah, begins by instructing Moses to collect gifts from the people to be used in the Tabernacle and for the sacrificial service. So why interject a large grouping of random laws (Parshat Mishpatim) that appear to have nothing to do with the altar or tabernacle? 

We find our answer towards the end of Parshat Mishpatim: Now the presence of the Lord appeared in the sight of the Israelites as a consuming fire on the top of a mountain.  (Exodus 24:17)

Towards the end of a discussion about laws, the Israelites see an image of God; a vision that reminds them of their special relationship with their creator and strengthens the commitment towards their new-found spiritual tradition. 

So my sign from God might not be as evident as my American brothers and sisters who have their tree trunks, office windows and cinnamon rolls to imbue them with a sense of their creator. However, when I look towards the righteousness that is carried out around me and I, myself, work towards providing justice for those who are treated unfairly, I have the opportunity to see God, if I look close enough. It is through our laws that a world infused with Godliness and holiness is created; a world where God can be seen and experienced.

That being said… please don’t interrupt me if I appear to be staring at the tuna salad during the Kiddush.

Shabbat Shalom.