Just Trying to Here You

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

Parshas Chukas introduces quite boldly the concept of a mitzvah that we do not understand. Although we know that mitzvos are good, sometimes we can’t understand what Hashem had in mind. We may sometimes wonder  “Why indeed should a specific behavior be considered so significant, such that it is forbidden or required?” The Torah boldly asserts, “Here is a mitzvah that you will not understand. You must observe it nonetheless.”

Often, when we study mitzvos we try to achieve some understanding of why we should observe it. Although we realize that in some higher realm the mitzvah is very important, we strive to appreciate the mitzvah in the “here and now” of our earthly existence. Indeed, some mitzvos help us develop kind and giving personalities, while others create a code of moral conduct, or commemorate special moments in our history.

This field of study is called “Taamei Hamitzvos,” which is sometimes erroneously translated as “Reasons for the Mitzvos.” The commentaries explain that a more accurate translation is “A Taste of the Mitzvos,” because who can really say that they understand why Hashem gave the mitzvah? But a taste of how mitzvos make us good- and help bring good into the world- is something that we can appreciate. Similarly, some say that the reason that a Jew wears a head-covering is as if to say, “There is a cap on my human intelligence.” That is why head covering is associated with fear of G-d. It is an act which says, “I will try my best, but ultimately the moral code of Torah and creation is not something that is subject to my human endorsement.”

One very important message that emerges from the study of Taamei Hamitzvos is that whatever the reason may be, we go with confidence that mitzvos do have reasons, and that these rules are the work of the Master Artist, Hashem. Mitzvos are good, even if we don’t understand; even if the mitzvah under discussion happens to be a Chok- A mitzvah whose reason is hidden from us.

It occurred to me that perhaps that is the message of the hardest mitzvah that was ever given to man: The mitzvah given to Avraham to bring his son up on an Altar. Known as the test of the Akeida, Avraham got the impression that he would have to sacrifice his son. Surely this seemed like a mitzvah without any explanation. But as the story unfolded what emerged was that as overwhelming and irrational as the mitzvah may have been to Avraham, by the time all was made clear he realized that there was only abundant blessing. By passing the test of willingness to sacrifice his son, Avraham forged a nation that wasn’t about him or his family, but rather about service to G-d. He created a merit that we still tap into today as we chart the direction for our generation and those which follow. Like all mitzvos, it may seem irrational, but the Master Artist has specially crafted each mitzvah to maximum effectiveness. We can only stand respectfully- if we don’t quite understand- even as we try to understand each mitzvah in the here and now.

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