PARSHAS VAYISHLACH 5778

“RABBI’S MUSINGS (&
AMUSINGS)”
Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas
Vayishlach  
13 Kislev 5778/December 1,
2017
During the last few weeks, I’ve received a plethora of
would-be halachos that would apply if secular holidays and their symbols were
actual mitzvos.
There was the discussion of the halachos of the Halloween
pumpkin and the laws of hiddur, including if the pitum fell off, etc.
Then there were the various laws of the Thanksgiving turkey,
including how the turkey must be prepared (cooked, fried, or roasted), how much
one must eat to be yotzei, how much of the story of the pilgrims must be shared
while eating, and what is the proper amount of gratitude that must be
expressed.
It gets even more outlandish with the discussion of what the
halachos would be about erecting a holiday tree in one’s home – when it must be
cut, is a non-Jew allowed to help with the cutting, can one reuse an old tree,
how high the tree must be, where it must be placed in the home, etc.
Although it may be witty, why would I even write about such
nonsense? Because the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it’s
probably true. If there would be any sort of mitzvos involving these artifacts,
they would undoubtedly contain many parameters and laws, like every other facet
of Judaism. But here’s the point that is often missed. Some people hear such an
idea of imaginary laws, and roll their eyes thinking about how lucky their
non-Jewish neighbors are that they don’t have to be bothered with such
cumbersome laws. But therein lies the tragedy, and perhaps greatest spiritual
danger of our times.
Why are there so many laws involved in all of our holy
mitzvos?
I remember being a chosson, and planning the next time I
would have the opportunity to spend the day with my Kallah. The arrangements I
made weren’t just about where we would go, but also about finding little things
along the way that I knew she would enjoy. The same held true about the things
she did for me. It wasn’t just the gift or a packed meal, but all of the
additives in the bag which I knew were made with a great deal of thought
because she knew I would find them personally meaningful.
The fact is that true love and devotion is expressed in the
details. Anyone can present someone else with a beautiful gift, but only
someone who truly loves someone else will expend tremendous amounts of time on
all of the seemingly petty details. Think about the things parents do for their
children. Think about how much extra energy they expend on all of the details
in their children’s life. Those details aren’t necessary for the child’s
wellbeing, but the parents love their children and can hardly hold back from
expressing it.
Each mitzvah that we have the opportunity to perform, is an
added chance to foster and further develop our connection with Hashem. That is
ultimately what Judaism is about, and that is perhaps the fundamental
difference between Judaism and all other religions. It’s not just that G-d
loves us, but that He desires and seeks for us to build a personal and unique
relationship with Him.
Since it’s all about the relationship, there are many details
involved in the proper performance of every mitzvah. Although many mitzvos can
be performed on a basic level, where is the relationship building in that?
The uniqueness of laws endemic to every mitzvah, is a
testament to the fact that we have a higher purpose in our fulfillment of
mitzvos. It’s not merely about commemoration or symbolic rituals, it’s about
deepening the connection and making it more genuine.
Those who develop an appreciation for Yomim Tovim and mitzvos
cannot get enough of all the laws involved in their performance.
A woman who becomes overwhelmed before Yom Tov can view it as
a Kallah who feels overwhelmed the night before her chosson comes to her home.
Sure, she is stressed, but it’s because she wants so much to demonstrate to him
her devotion and appreciation for him. She wants everything to be perfect for
their time together. Shabbos, Chanukah, Pesach, etc. are all about the
relationship.
We are fortunate to have been chosen for that special
connection. The proof is in the details.
Shabbat
Shalom & Good Shabbos,

              R’ Dani and Chani Staum      

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