1)

What are the connotations of "Chukim u'Mishpatim Tzadikim"?

1.

Rashi #1: It means Chukim and Mishpatim that are suitable and 'acceptabl.

2.

Rashi #2 (in the initial manuscript): It means Chukim and Mishpatim that render one's Yeitzer righteous.

3.

Ramban: Refer to 4:5:1:1.

4.

Seforno: It means Chukim and Mishpatim that are for the sake of justice and not for the personal benefit of the judge and the justices. 1

5.

Targum Onkelos: It means Chukim and Mishpatim that are integral.

6.

Targum Yonasan: It means and Mishpatim that are righteous.

7.

Yerushalmi Rosh Hashanah, 1:3: In the world at large, people who are cslled before a law-court tend to wear black and wrap themselves in black and not to shave their beards 2 in fear of the outcome of the lawsuit. Not so Yisrael! On Rosh Hashanah 3 - when they know that they are being judged - they Hakadosh-Baruch-Hu performs with them miracles. 4

1

Seforno: As is the case by the laws of all other nations.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 15.

3

It is not clear why the Gemara learns this on the current Pasuk and not on Pasuk 7 - where the word "Elokim" has onnotations of Judge.

4

See Torah Temimah, note 15.;l.

2)

How do the Chukim and Mishpatim of the Torah raise us above all the other nations?

1.

Seforno: Because there is no other nation that has laws that demonstrate the existence of Hashem and His ways. 1

1

Refer also to 4:8:1:4*.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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