Parshat Mishpatim: Sometimes "the other" is "another"

Values and principles are woven throughout the more expected rules, and a close reading of Parshat Mishpatim yields fruit that is conceptually poetic and marvelous. The Torah requires that one help someone he hates. Not to love him, but to help him. The Torah acknowledges that people hate each other, but that should not get in the way of helping when there is a need to do so. Click on the link above and see how the Midrash understands this Mitzvah.