As Judaism is a living and all-embracing religion, the Torah lays down rules for conduct in business and relationships between man and his fellow-man. There are laws relating to theft and robbery. If one is confronted by an intruder and genuinely feels threatened by him, it is permitted to act in self-defence.

There are laws regarding hiring and borrowing. Many verses discuss different aspects of damages, ranging from personal culpability to damage caused by one’s animals.

There is a reference to slavery - though the laws governing slavery are so strict that many a trade union official would be glad if his members had such entitlements. Certainly there is no place for thumbscrews etc.

It is a mitzva to lend money without interest. There are various agricultural laws including the requirement to observe the Sabbatical year. There are references to Shabbat and the three Foot Festivals.

Milk and meat may not be eaten or cooked together and animals with certain diseases are ‘treifa’ (torn). This incidentally is the true meaning of the word used widely to describe any non-kosher animal or product.

The sedra ends with an elaboration of the events surrounding the giving of the Torah. This week is Parshat Shekalim — the first of the four special Parshiot prior to Pesach.

Maftir is read from a second sefer, from the beginning of the sedra Ki Tisa. It discusses the mitzva of giving a half-shekel coin to the Sanctuary,. This was collected at this time of the year, thus we read the parsha on the Shabbat on or before Rosh Chodesh Adarwhich takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is therefore also Shabbat Mevorchim.

There is only one Adar this year - as it is not a Leap Year.

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