From Sinai to the Street: The Cry of the Yatom and Almanah

In this week’s sedra, Parshat Mishpatim, right after the Torah was given at Sinai, the Torah moves from the fire and thunder of Matan Torah to the practical laws that shape our daily lives. Among the many rules, we find a pasuk (verse) whose words are simple but urgent: “You shall not afflict any widow or orphan” (שמות כב:כא, Shemot 22:21 – כָּל־אַלְמָנָה וְיָתוֹם לֹא תְעַנּוּן).

This mitzvah feels especially heavy this year. Because of the war in Eretz Yisrael, many families have been torn apart. According to the latest official records, over 580 women and men have become war widows (Almanot). Even more heartbreaking is the number of children left behind: there are now more than 1,800 war orphans (Yetomim) across Israel.

These are real lives—children and parents left alone. The Torah places this mitzvah directly before us, showing that our response must be real and immediate.

This is not just a general call for kindness. It is a strict rule with a rare, explicit warning. The Torah tells us that if an Almanah or Yatom cries out, Hashem hears their cry and steps in. Most laws are enforced by courts or society. Here, the Torah emphasizes that Heaven listens directly, and that alone shows how important this commandment is.

Chazal (our Sages) explain that the verse is not only about physical harm or money. They teach that the main concern is ona’at devarim—causing pain through words, a harsh tone, or a bad attitude. A sharp remark, an impatient response, or an unthinking comment can all be a violation of “lo te’anun.” The Rambam writes clearly:

“A person must be more careful with an Almanah or Yatom than with anyone else, even in speech alone, because their spirit is low and their strength is weakened by loss.” (Hilchot De’ot 6:10)

These teachings were lived out by our leaders. In Volozhin, Rav Yaakov Berlin (the father of the Netziv) had a poor Almanah working in his home. One day she accidentally broke an expensive vase. People thought she would be yelled at or that the cost would be taken from her pay. Rav Yaakov Berlin refused. He said no one should raise their voice or embarrass her. If there was a money matter to talk about, it would be handled calmly and with respect. His concern was not the vase, but the Torah’s warning. An Almanah cannot be treated like everyone else; the Torah demands extra care.

There is a story of a young Yatom who came to shul for his father’s yahrzeit. In that community, the custom was that the person observing the yahrzeit would bring a small l’chaim for the community after davening. The boy did not know the custom and brought nothing. People made comments; some teased him or made “innocent” jokes about it. But to a child already carrying the weight of loss, the shame was crushing. He never returned to that shul. No one meant to be mean, yet the Torah judges the pain caused, not just the intention. This is why Chazal say that hurting someone with words can be worse than stealing their money.

In more recent times, Rav Nosson Tzvi Finkel, the Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, showed the same care. When a young student passed away and left children behind, the Rosh Yeshiva did not just send a check. He took a personal interest and wrote letters of encouragement to them. This was the Rambam’s law in action: not just avoiding harm, but actively making someone feel strong again.

The pasuk begins with a very important word: “Kol”—All widows and orphans. Chazal, our Sages, teach that this word is there to include everyone. It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, or if they live near us or far away. The word “Kol” is a reminder that we cannot excuse ourselves by saying, “But I don’t know any families who are suffering.”

The Torah tells us that we are responsible for all of them. This means we should not wait for them to come to us; we must search them out. We have a duty to find out who needs help and how we can support them.

Parshat Mishpatim is the ultimate incentive for us to act today. This war has left us with many families of Kedoshim—holy souls who gave their lives for Am Yisrael. Their wives and children are now our collective responsibility. We owe them a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can begin by ensuring they are never alone.

This mitzvah applies to every Jew, whether in Israel or living in other countries. We fulfill it by supporting the groups that care for these families, by giving steady help, and by teaching our children to be sensitive to those who have suffered loss.

If we want to rebuild our people, then no Almanah should feel invisible and no Yatom should feel forgotten. Let us take to heart the words of the Torah. It is our sacred mitzvah to search out, to care, and to give strength to the families of our Kedoshim.
(עזור לחלש ואל תפקיר יתום – Help the weak and do not abandon the orphan).