Mishpatim:Every case is special

Mishpatim:Every case is special

On every level, the world is governed by rules, but every case is special. 

The laws of nature are not subject to violation, and so they need to be redefined from time to time.  The Copernican circular orbits, closely observed by Brahe become elliptical in the model of Kepler, leading to Newton's universal gravitation, corrected by Einstein, giving us the unobserved planet X. 

The Torah laws are etched in stone. There can be no remodel.  One erroneous letter invalidates the Torah scroll.  The approach to truth is through the interpretation of the words.  We do not understand " an eye for an eye"  literally like Hammurabi.  From context and tradition, we understand that compensating the blinded person is a better solution than creating  a second blind person. 

The parsha sets out defining specific ordinances: The six year term of the bondsman, etc.  Quickly, we are told of exceptions and exemptions from the rule. To apply the rule at all times, in the same way is simple and satisfies a conception of fairness and justice.  It is just not right. 

The same is true for all rules: diagnoses are rules, treatment guidelines are rules, randomized studies generate rules. Situations generate exceptions. 

Know the rules, they can help do what is right. 

Do what is right.