By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
In Haftorah for this week’s parsha Ki Tisa, we find that Eliyahu HaNavi had an debate with the naviyei of baal. During their confrontation Eliyahu instructed them to build two mizbachos; one for baal and one for Hashem. He called out to the Jewish People, “For how long will you straddle on two sides”. “If you are for baal then go after him, and if you are for Hashen, then go after Him”. They built two mizbachos and then brought two bulls. The naviyei of baal tried but no fire descended to consume their bull. Eliyahu davened at mincha time and then a fire descended from on high and consumed the bull offered to Hashem. When the Yidden saw the fire descend and consume the bull they exclaimed twice; “Hashem Hu EhElokim!”.
This incident begs the question; how could have Eliyahu HaNavi given the Yidden the option to go after baal ח"ו in place of their position of ambivalence? Eliyahu seemed to be saying that constantly juggling between two options is worse than serving baal all the time!?
The Rebbe explains that a person who ח"ו serves avodah zara has a fundamental misconception. From his perspective he has come to believe that the avodah zara has a power that is real. Because of this mistaken viewpoint he is convinced that he must be subservient to that avodah zara . Once he comes to understand that it is a false god, he will have complete regret and do sincere teshuva. This person is connected spiritually already, he simply made a mistake.
The person that juggles between worlds, holding stakes in both sides makes an even more difficult mistake. He knows Hashem is Elokim, the ruler of the world. He also believes that Hashem has “helpers” from whom he can receive ‘additional bonuses’. The center of this perspective is not Hashem or spirituality but himself and his personal gain! From this point of view, with his pursuit of the physical he actually forfeits the spiritual. Also. this kind of orientation makes teshuva much more difficult. He is convinced that he never left Yiddishkeit. As the once popular bumber sticker proudly proclaims; “We never lost it!” He thinks to himself that he was always a believer, and sadly enough that although that may be true, he nonetheless availed himself these ‘extras’ for his own reasons. Even more concerning is his effect on those around him. The one who is gone, is gone. This person however can be an example to others causing them to lead a similar lifestyle as well.
In America people can think that for parnassa, or to ‘with it’ he can put the Shuchan Aruch away, turn his back to make money, and find acceptability among his friends. He thinks to himself, “I am not a 19th century Jew!” If someone questions his activities, he exclaims; “Look at all the good I do”. If you recommend he change, he’ll say that there is nothing wrong with things the way they are. The Rebbe said that he is willing to sell his Yiddishkeit and his neshama to make it.
We need to know that the person who tries to live juggling between both worlds is defining himself in three ways. He is saying that it is OK to be 75 to 90% shomer Torah and Mitzvos. He is placing Hashem, Torah and Mitzvos and Olam Haba on the side ח"ו . He is setting an example towards others for this kind of behavior.
This is what Eliyahu HaNavi taught when he called out to the Yidden; “Until when will you straddle on both sides”, and ultimately brought them to a full and complete recognition that they called out twice; “Hashem Hu HaElokim!”
(Based and adapted on Likutei Sichos v. 1)