לרפואת הרב דוד יצחק בן לאה גיטל בתוך שח"י
Rav Dovid Schwartz
Good habits become second nature. As we grow and
mature we develop attitudes and approaches that are
translated into specific behavioral patterns. Once well
established these attitudes and behavioral patterns become
very difficult to break. On the rare occasions of
inconsistency we are often described as “acting out of
character” and most people consider consistency an
unquestionable virtue. We associate immutable
consistency with being principled, sincere, dependable and
serious.
However the Izhbitzer cautions against being too obstinate
to ever alter ones attitudes or behaviors. In contemporary
post-sacrificial terms this is what the prohibition of "לא תקים לך מצבה" - “erecting a monolith” means. A monolith is a single pillar
or slab of hard inflexible stone. While soil is soft and
malleable and the variegated stones of a multiple stone
altar are of different shapes, sizes and colors, a monolith is
a model of, well, monolithic, monochromatic, monotonous
consistency. Even sacred monoliths are hated by HaShem.
Even regarding ones manner of relating to and worshiping
HaShem the Torah prohibits monolithic, heels-dug-in
inflexibility.
In the bygone era of the patriarchs, when HaShems
sovereignty was not yet acknowledged by the vast majority
of the mankind this kind of obstinacy was beloved by
Hashem. At that time the call of the hour was for the Avos
and Imahos to dig in their heels, draw lines in the sand and
to be moser nefesh-to lay down their lives, for every minute
detail the worship of the One True G-d.
Whereas for us there are only three cardinal sins for which
the Halacha demands death before transgression in all
circumstances. It goes without saying that if in given
situations we must steer clear of obstinacy and be flexible
enough to actually sin then, depending on a variety of
variables, we must
certainly be responsive and flexible enough to adjust our
ways and means of fulfilling Mitzvos and worshipping
HaShem.
Understanding that the capacity for inconsistency is
required of us in our relationship with Hashem has a
tremendously positive impact on our interpersonal
relationships as well. If we had the luxury of monolithic
inflexibility we’d find it much easier to be dismissive of
other people, their Hashkofos and approaches to Avodas
HaShem –serving G-d. But since we ourselves must eschew
a monolithic style in Avodas Hashem, if we ourselves serve
HaShem in a less-than-absolutely-consistent range of ways
then we are much better able to tolerate the diverse
approaches of our fellow Jews.
While uniform standards govern the actual implementation
of the 613 Mitzvahs that are equally binding on each and
every Jewish Soul, the Ta’amei HaMitzvos- the rationale and
motivation underpinning the Mitzvahs are “tasted” (Ta’am)
and experienced by each soul in a unique and inimitable
way. This is why the Pasuk (Devarim 6:17) says: “You
(plural) should be very careful (Shamor Tish’merun) to keep
the commandments of Hashem your L-rd as well as the
Edos.. that He commanded you (singular- Tzivcha) . The
Edos refer to the Ta’amei HaMitzvos which differ from
individual to individual. Hence the second person singular
conjugation of the verb “command”. It is imperative for
each of us to understand that, in fact, it is impossible for
our fellow Jews to observe the Mitzvahs using our unique
and inimitable approach and attitude and that to expect
their approach to be consistent with ours is not merely
being judgmental and dismissive, but completely irrational
and foolish.
Adapted from Mei HaShiloach Shoftim 16:22 (D”H Lo Sakim )
and VaEschanan 6:17 (D”H Shamor)
