Chassidus Reveals the Yes!
In ALL aspects of Torah and Mitzvos
By Rabbi Raichik
This week we read parshas Achrei-Kedoshim. Most understand the theme of parshas Kedoshim to be one of restraint. The parsha tells us to make ourselves holy by separating and restraining from worldly desires and pursuits. Rashi says clearly that being holy refers to not engaging in forbidden relations. Many look upon all of Judaism as a long litany of no nos. “Don’t do this”, (work on Shabbos) and “don’t do that” (eat non kosher food). Don’t wear certain kinds of clothing and don’t travel to certain places or watch certain things etc.
Rabbi Eliezer Gurkov a Shliach from London Ontario, Canada told a story at a recent fabrengen in Shul about a conservative rabbi in his community. The Rabbi made a statement in public about the difference between Orthodox and Conservative Judaism. He said that Orthodox Judaism is a religion of no. It’s all about what we cannot do. In praise of his conservative approach he said that we Conservative Jews say “maybe”. We look for ways to make it easy; we make allowances and leniencies to let people live their lives within their respective societies according to their norms. For example if someone lives far from shul they say it’s ok to drive on Shabbos etc.
How do we, as Lubavitcher Chassidim respond to such a viewpoint? What do we say to ourselves? Do the daily distresses of our lives make us, not G-d forbid believe as that Conservative Rabbi, but nevertheless feel at times burdened by all the ‘no’s’ that we follow?
Chassidus considers making ourselves holy to be like betrothing a woman; kedushin. Once a man betroths a woman, she becomes forbidden to other men. The act of kedushin is a commitment, an everlasting bond. Each Chossan and each Kallah makes a commitment to create a bright future together, to build a home and have a family together. Their goal is to share a harmonious relationship together in their home, their Mikdash Mei’at with their family and their community. They achieve together what they cannot alone, a sanctified environment, a dwelling place for Hashem in this physical world. It takes work, it takes tenacity and it takes sacrifice, just like any worthy pursuit.
Or, is it all about the ‘nos’ and the ‘don’ts’? This last week has been a difficult one in America. The riots in Baltimore and in other places have among other things highlighted the chaos and mayhem that comes from broken homes and broken lives. Where did this begin? This started once G-d was removed from the system in the1960’s by removing Morning Prayer or even a moment of silence. Then in the minds of young children there is no eye that sees, nor an ear that hears. Then a child feels that he or she can do whatever they like, they are entitled, and there is no accountability. The outcome is 50 years of life lived without proper parenting or education. What we are seeing is a general break down of society and people acting as victims while pointing fingers at each other in blame. This is all because of a lack in accountability. If someone gets upset then he can just burn their property without blame or responsibility because they do not see that there is an eye that sees or an ear that hears. Because of this there is no morals or ethics. The very next thing to go is the true concept of marriage itself. This is exactly what began this week in the United States Supreme Court. They are considering for the first time ever in history to abolish the traditional definition of marriage. This is what happens in a G-dless society where the emphasis is on what feels best not what is best in the eyes of our Creator.
The lesson we can take from current events to Judaism is clear and resounding. Is our relationship with Hashem all about what we cannot do? Or, do we practice Judaism because we say; “I am a Jew who loves Hashem and I want to bring Hashem into my life! Therefore my goal is to unite with Hashem through the Torah and mitzvos that I do and fulfill my purpose and mission in this world. Even when the way to do that is a ‘no’, I will bend, because this is the goal. This ‘no’ equals a positive because through it I am connected to Hashem.”
When our children see that our love for Hashem is what motivates us and is what is behind our lifestyle, they too will appreciate our practice and dedication. The effect is long and lasting.
The philosophy of living with “maybe” means that maybe I’m going to get somewhere and maybe not. Maybe there are goals and maybe not. Maybe it’s this of maybe its that or maybe…its nothing, gornisht! This is a basic break down of leadership and direction in Judaism. We see what kind of chaos lack of direction and purpose can lead to, (chas v’Shalom) just look at Baltimore. Today, we have a great opportunity to do our best to create the most positive possible outcome, a dwelling place for Hashem in this world and usher in the Geula. Are we prepared to say yes and no in all the right places to get there?
Whether our Judaism will be series of no’s or inspired yes to all of the Torah and mitzvos depends on us, and which direction we choose. Someone told me he had a guest that asked for two pillows. His guest wanted explain why he asked for two pillows, even though he gave him the pillows without asking why. He said that since halacha requires that on Tisha B’Av one has to be pained and you cannot enjoy the comfort of your regular bed, he uses two pillows all year so he can remove one of them on Tisha B’Av and have the pain of removing his pillow and still have one left! This is a perfect example of living with no’s all year around! Conversely, Chassidus always stresses the positive and looks towards what is holy. Automatically the negatives fall away.
Last week we wrote about being able to focus on living with Moshiach by learning Inyanei Geula u’Moshiach, one minute at a time. May we take the message of parshas Kedoshim and live with it envisioning how we will continue, one minute at a time to live this way once Hashem has revealed the Shechina in this world, alone and together with Hashem and Moshiach now.
A Good Shabbos