"אם בחוקתי תלכו ואת מצותי תשמרו ועשיתם אותם"
"If you will follow my decrees and observe my commandments, and perform them" ("then I shall send rain etc")
Why does the torah single out decrees "chukim", as opposed to mentioning laws and testimonies (eidut umishpatim) as well?
The rebbe of chabad explains that this comes to teach us that even the mitzvot which are logically understandable to some extent, must be performed with the same mindset as "chukim"- decrees. The ultimate drive of the person fulfilling the mitzvah, must be "because this is G-d's command", thereby tapping into the "chok" aspect of the mitzvah. When one fulfills a mitzvah for logical reasons, there is a risk that tomorrow he may change his mind and disagree with the torah's logic, and eventually cease to perform the mitzvah. On top of that, mitzvah-fulfillment based on one's personal ideology and comforts is really a commitment to oneself, rather than a commitment to G-d! When one fully commits himself to G-d's law (without personal reasons), he can than achieve a true connection to G-d through his mitzvah performances. This is hinted to in the word "mitzvah" which shares the same root as the word "tzavsa", which means connection. Furthermore, the word "chok" (decree) shares the same root as the word "chakuk" (engraved), meaning to say that specifically through fulfillment of the "chukim" of hashem does one engrave the will of G-d within one's heart. By putting our limited minds on the side, and fully accepting G-d's commandments unto ourselves- we can bond with the unlimited aspect of G-d's presence!
Good shabbos to all!
No comments:
Post a Comment