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How does the Jewish people achieve true unity? The shiur distinguishes two levels of derech eretz: basic social cooperation (possible before Torah (תורה)) versus genuine achdus rooted in serving Hashem (ה׳) together. Parshas Mishpatim's juxtaposition with Matan Torah reveals that Jewish social justice is not merely ethical regulation but a form of avodas Hashem—which is why the Sanhedrin sat near the Mizbeach.
Rabbi Zweig explores the profound connection between Parshas Mishpatim and Matan Torah (תורה), addressing why Rashi (רש"י) emphasizes that the mishpatim were given at Sinai just like the Ten Commandments. Since everything in Torah comes from Sinai, what does this emphasis add? The shiur develops a fundamental distinction based on the Mishna "Im ein derech eretz, ein Torah; im ein Torah, ein derech eretz." There are two distinct levels of derech eretz. The first level exists before Torah: a basic human sensitivity and spirit of cooperation necessary for people to live together. This is social contract-based unity—people help each other for mutual survival and benefit. This level of derech eretz is a prerequisite for Torah (derech eretz kadmah l'Torah).
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Parshas Mishpatim
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