Mishpatim: Aliyah 1

For context, I'm providing a link to the summary of the Aliyah from the OU

In the first Aliyah we have a few numbers:  Since this Parsha is chalk full of Halachot, it's difficult to play the numbers message game, but I will try.

First set of numbers are 6 and 7.  We are told that a Slave shall work for 6 years and the 7th he shall go free.  The connection here seems obvious. A slave is like a normal man during the week.  For 6 days he works, and the 7th he is free, and instead must keep the Shabbat.  But don't many people feel that the Shabbat is a time when they are not free? Aren't they restricted from doing various things?

It's possible that a slave will feel the same way. When they are freed, they will feel that now they have to make a living, now they have to provide for themselves. Before they lived in a Rich man's house, now they have nothing and will live in a shack.  But they are free, and we see them as being lucky.  The same thing for a person who keeps the Shabbat.  On another level, we see that in many ways the Jewish people are still slaves, but this time they are slaves to Gd and not to a human king or nation.

The next number is "3"  (Shemot 21:11) "If he does not perform these 3 things for her, she shall go out free of charge without payment."  What are these 3 things?  "He shall not diminish her food, clothing, or marital relations."  These 3 things are the bedrock and pillars that a person needs to feel loved and dignified.  These aren't just certain requirements, but the Torah points out that "these 3 things" meaning, they are like a tripod.  A person feels gladdened by the good food they get, the nice clothes they wear, and the intamite touch of the people they love.  (This is just one of many sets of 3)