This week, as we read Parasha Tzav, we encounter a teaching that resonates deeply in our hearts and communities. It reminds us of the importance and beauty of enjoying a good quality of life and living in a healthy and peaceful society. However, we understand that to make this ideal a reality, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and rules in our society.
Government authorities try to create social and civil regulations that facilitate harmonious and peaceful coexistence between human beings. But the reality is that despite the efforts of leaders to create fair laws, these, when conceived by human beings, may not be perfect and are often wrong.
On the other hand, the recommendations that God offers us in the Torah are of a completely different nature. When it comes to divine laws, we cannot simply reject them because they do not conform to our opinions or beliefs. Instead, we must strive to understand divine wisdom from a broader and educational perspective, removed from our physical and limited point of view.
The word “Mitzvah”, which means precept- commandment in Hebrew, is derived from the word “Tzavta”, which means union. This week’s Parasha, Tzav, conveys a clear and powerful message to us.
G‑d is not like human leaders who can make mistakes. Furthermore, he does not need to give us orders to validate the power of him. In His infinite goodness, God offers us the opportunity to experience the immense pleasure of uniting with Him.
Therefore, He has generously provided us with numerous Mitzvot (precepts) that serve as vehicles and tools to connect with Him. Good deeds elevate us spiritually and allow us to unite with God. This is the true task that God has given us: to create a space for Him in our hearts, allowing Him to dwell in them. And when this happens, we experience the satisfaction of a full spiritual life.
Nothing in the world can compare to the eternal feeling of spiritual pleasure that we experience when uniting with God. If every human being were committed to this union, we would find ourselves interconnected in such a way that hatred and violence would have no place in our lives.
It depends on our personal attitude. We are all responsible for building a better world. We must fight for what we believe is important and commit to spiritual elevation, both personal and collective. Ultimately, it is through our union with God that we can achieve the peace and harmony we so long for in our society.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen