 |
|
 |
Parshat Shoftim
1997
One of the many Mitzvot that the Jewish King was commanded upon assuming his throne was to write a Sefer Torah.. In Deutoronomy 17:18, he is inscribed to write a "Mishnah Torah Hazot - a copy of this Teaching" whereas in verse 19 he is ordered to observe "HaTorah Hazot - this Torah." No longer solely "Mishnah!"
What has changed and how can the word "Mishnah" be defined? The Talmud Bavli (Sanhedrin 21b) interprets the root of the word as "Shnayim - two" referring to the two Torot that needed to be written - `one that would be kept with him at all times when he travelled and one that would remain in the palace.' In contrast, the Sifre (a Midrashic source noted in the Torah Temimah) defines the root as "different" and devises a bold interpretation for the King's Torah, `HaAtid LeHeeshtanot - subject to change.'
How can we reconcile these two variant explanations? As Jewish professionals (Kings) we often need to leave the confines of the Hillel Palace to face our Jewish constituents. One of our challenges is to ensure that we constantly adhere to our value system. The Torah that travelled with the King and was exposed to outside elements and influences, was identical to the pristine one that remained in the palace. Upon returning to home base it was the king's duty to ensure that the Torah that left the premises was undamaged.
We, as Kings, face our mission with trepidation while, at the same time, we must acknowledge the reality of the Sifre - the Torah is apt to change. There has to be flexibility and the ability to absorb the positive qualities of the environment which surrounds us. The real challenge then lies in the integration of the two "Torahs" and their ideals. The external Torah must guide us through the beauty of the arts, sciences and philosophy incorporated into the Judaic system of Torah Umada , Torah and Science (academic pursuits); while that which we keep at home preserves our unique heritage, culture and religion.
These two Torot must always be harmonized to ensure `Jewish continuity' and to prevent a permanent schism between the internal and external aspects of Judaism. An additional underlying message which cannot be ignored is that when we do leave our home environment we need to carry with us the Torah, our value system.
We should not be afraid or ashamed to encourage the expression of our values and beliefs. Our Torah is too precious to be left in the synagogue Ark only to be passively viewed. We, the Kings of our nation, need to boldly carry our personal Torah with us wherever and whenever we travel.
Prepared by Rabbi Ari Israel, Rochester Area Hillel.
|
 |
|
 |