Photo Credit: Jewish Press
From Day One
Hashem placed the world in the hands of man, creating him in His own image and entrusting him with the responsibility to govern and nurture it (Bereishit 1:26-28). Man was endowed with glory and splendor just below that of Hashem Himself (Tehillim 8:6-7).
However, the temptation for man to see himself as a deity of this world, independent of Hashem, was always present (Rashi, Bereishit 2:18).
Mitzvot serve as a reminder of our place and purpose in the world. They emphasize that we are creations of Hashem meant to serve Him by following His will and glorifying His name. This is why Hashem’s initial words to Adam were commandments (Ibid 2:16-17). Man must recognize himself as commanded by Hashem and obligated to fulfill His will.
Regrettably, Adam disobeyed Hashem’s instructions on his first day of existence. His descendants followed suit: Cain murdered Abel, the generation of the flood engaged in theft and murder, and the generation of the tower rebelled against Hashem.
Avraham Avinu – The Epitome of Devotion
After twenty generations, Avraham emerged as a shining example of unwavering commitment to Hashem and His commandments. While Avraham possessed numerous exceptional qualities, the Torah highlights his obedience to Hashem’s directives. His first acts of righteousness, such as destroying idols, spreading Hashem’s name, and entering the fiery furnace, are omitted in favor of emphasizing his fulfillment of Hashem’s commands.
Parshat Lech Lecha (12:1) begins with Hashem’s command to abandon his past and Parshat Vayeira concludes with the command to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac (22:1). Avraham obeyed both directives, along with eight similar tests in between (Avot 5:3).
Despite the apparent contradiction with his beliefs and Hashem’s promises, Avraham followed Hashem’s command to sacrifice his son. While he had questioned Hashem’s intentions regarding the punishment of Sodom (Bereishit 18:25), he dutifully obeyed when called to act. Avraham understood that his right to question ended when Hashem required his service. He embodied true devotion to Hashem, fully committed to following His instructions.
Following Avraham’s unwavering commitment, Hashem praised him as a “yireh Elokim,” signifying not only one who “fears” G-d but also one who follows His directions.
Through the ultimate test of the Akeidah and various other trials, Avraham exemplified commitment for his son Yitzchak. While he was not the first to follow Hashem, he was the first to successfully impart his beliefs and dedication to his son and household (Ibid, 18:19).
It was this commitment that led Hashem to maintain a special relationship with Avraham’s descendants. After Avraham’s passing, Hashem reaffirmed this bond with Yitzchak, citing Avraham’s obedience to His commandments as the reason for the continued blessing upon his seed (Ibid, 26:4). Avraham’s steadfast observance of Hashem’s mitzvot was the most significant trait that earned his descendants the status of G-d’s chosen people.
Yetziat Mitzrayim – Rooted in and Rooting Mitzvot
Similar to our forefather Avraham, our communal origins are intertwined with mitzvah observance. We transitioned from a family to a nation in Egypt, entering with seventy individuals and departing as a multitude.
The miraculous exodus from Egypt, a testament to Hashem’s special relationship with us, underscored the importance of mitzvah observance. Prior to the plague of the firstborns, Hashem commanded the Jewish people to offer the Korban Pesach (Ibid 12). Drawing from verses in Sefer Yechezkel (Yechezkel 16:6-8), Chazal explain that despite the imminent redemption, Hashem could not liberate the Jews as they were “naked” of mitzvot (Mechilta, Bo 5). The Jewish people needed to demonstrate their commitment and faith through mitzvah observance to affirm their status as Hashem’s chosen people.
Mitzvot were not only a prerequisite for redemption but also its consequence. Hashem’s deliverance bound us to Him, establishing our unique responsibility to serve Him and solidifying our identity as avdei Hashem. From slavery under Pharaoh, we transitioned to servitude to Hashem upon our liberation.
All humanity is obligated to observe Hashem’s seven fundamental commandments as a recognition of their dependence on Him. For us, the fulfillment of the full spectrum of 613 mitzvot is a testament to our gratitude for both our physical freedom and spiritual redemption.
Mount Sinai – Our Covenant
Hashem desired that our relationship and commitment be based not solely on His actions but on our voluntary choice. At Sinai, He presented us with the opportunity to enter into a covenant, emphasizing the importance of our agency in faith (Shemot 19:4-6).
On the journey to Mount Sinai, Hashem utilized the necessity of providing food and water to impart the significance of mitzvah observance and gauge our readiness to do so.
After sweetening the bitter water at Marah, Hashem further instructed the Jewish people on the importance of following His laws for their well-being (Ibid, 15:25-26).
When providing the mon, Hashem made it a test of their willingness to adhere to Torah guidelines (Ibid, 16:4). The laws surrounding the collection and consumption of the mon served as a preparation for general mitzvah observance.
Having witnessed how mitzvah observance led to the Exodus and sustenance, the Jewish people arrived at Mount Sinai ready to commit to the covenant with Hashem through their dedication to mitzvah observance. Their commitment serves as the foundation of our enduring relationship and commitment to Hashem.
May delving into the forthcoming teachings on mitzvah observance deepen our commitment by enhancing our understanding and appreciation of Hashem’s commandments.