Daily Chumash Monday, Mishpatim: Cases involving monetary damage

Sheiyni

• Killing a slave: One who kills his slave will be avenged.
• Killing a fetus: One who kills a fetus, shall be penalized.
• If there will be a fatality, then he shall give a life in place of a life. An eye for an eye, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound.
• Injuring a slave: One who injures the eyes or teeth of a slave is required to set the slave free.
• One’s animal killed: If one’s ox kills a man or woman, the ox is to be stoned and not have its meat eaten, while the owner is to be set free. If, however, the owner knew of the ox’s murderous nature and was warned, then also the owner is to die. If the ox killed a slave, he is to pay 30 Shekalim to the master of the slave, and the ox is to be stoned.

1. Cases involving monetary damage:

• Pit damages: If one digs a pit, and leaves it uncovered, he must pay for damages if an animal falls in and dies.
• Animal damages: If one’s ox gores and injures another ox, he is to pay half the damages. If, however, this ox had a history of goring which was known to the owner, the owner must pay for the full damages.
• Stealing animals: If a man steals an ox or sheep and slaughters or sells it, he is to pay restitution of five times the amount of the ox and four times the amount of the sheep.
• Robbing a home: If one catches a burglar in the act of stealing in one’s home, one may kill him.
• A robber who does not have ability to pay restitution, is to be sold as a slave.
• One who steals must pay double the amount of the item he stole.