This week's portion literally means "laws," and it elaborates on the first laws given in the Ten Commandments. God tells Moses to establish several ordinances, including rules about slavery, about lending money, and about physical assault.
One of the most important principles is the idea that the law does not favor people due to status or popularity. "You shall not follow the majority for evil, and you shall not respond concerning a lawsuit to follow many to pervert [justice]. Neither shall you glorify a poor man in his lawsuit." (23:2-3)
This is contrary to the left-wing teaching that righteousness demands "social justice." As far as determining guilt or fault, only facts and the law matter.
Toward the end (30:13), the Torah describes the half-shekel contribution each person would make to the Temple, both as a census and a charitable donation.
The story is reflected in the additional reading from the Book of Kings (II 11:17 - 12:17, which describes the innovation of King Jehoash to remove fundraising from the priests and to use a plain collection box for donations instead, thereby removing the incentive for corruption and ensuring proper accountability.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
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