Parashat Mishpatim
Parshas Mishpatim is the sixth parsha in the Book of Shemos and the 6th week and final week of Shovavim in non leap years. It contains 118 pesukim. For the Haftora; the prophecy of Yirmiyah to the wealthy following the betrayal of their covenant to release their Jewish slaves, is read.
Laws of Jewish Slaves
A Jewish slave goes free after six years of work or the Yovel, which ever comes first. His master is responsible to support him and his original family. He is allowed to give the Jewish slave a non Jewish maidservant to marry, children that are born belong to the owner and are considered non Jewish slaves. A Jewish servant that refuses to leave after six years has his ear pierced upon a door and can remain until the following Yovel.
Laws of Jewish Maidservants
A father is allowed to sell his daughter as a Jewish maidservant. She goes free after six years, upon growing signs of adulthood or the Yovel, which ever of the three happens first. It is recommended that the owner or his sons marry this maidservant. If they refuse they should help her be redeemed or in the very least are forbidden to sell her to someone else. If one of them does marry her, they can not hold back their obligations to her if they later marry a second wife. Once married the girl does not go free after growing signs of adulthood.