INSIGHT 5780 - #39: THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF LOVE

For  V'Etchanan

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While Rambam and Chovot Halevavot reflect different opinions on the nature of love of God, this does not  mean that the advice they give in regard to this mitzvah is limited to only their perception of the nature of the mitzvah. As any mitzvah concerning love necessarily involves the parties to this relationship, a consideration of the self and the other would have a place in both approaches to love of God. As the focus of Chovot Halevavot is on the self, it would be understandable that he would focus on a person's need to clarify the self. This does not mean, though, that Rambam would also not see this as important. According to him, in developing love of God we would also need to clarigy self. And as the focus of Rambam is on the Other, it would be understandable that he would focus on a person's need to gain an understanding and perception of God to the best of human ability. The Chovot Halevavot also would not challenge the value of this undertaking although he may have a different understanding of what this activity may entail.

Rabbi Ben Hecht
 

Insight 5780-38: THE CHALLENGE OF DIVREI ELOKIM CHAYIM

For  Devarim

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INSIGHT 5780 - #37: REUVAIN AND GAD

For  Mattot

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INSIGHT 5780 - #36: PASSION

For  Pinchus

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INSIGHT 5780 - #35 - GIVE ME LIBERTY…

For  Balak

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INSIGHT 5780 - #34: THE PROBLEM OF DEMOCRACY

For  Korach

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The issue upon which we touched upon in this Insight is actually a most interesting one within Torah thought. While there is an obvious value in scholarship, the concept of democracy would seem to also have some value in that we are commanded, in regard to Torah law, to follow the majority. See Shemot 23:2. This, of course, refers to a majority of Torah scholars but nonetheless it applies even if the minority within the group may be greater Torah scholars. See Tosfot, Eruvin 6b in regard to Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. The democratic value of the individual does have its place within Torah but it must absolutely be balanced with the unique strength of an individual.

This issue obviously further touches upon the definition of the Torah scholar. If there is a specific group within which we are to apply some democratic standards, we must also define these standards and who, as such, has a voice within this group and who would not. In this regard, it is interesting to note that Korach's congregation consisted of scholars but in what occurred, it is clear that their viewpoint was fully dismissed as outside the pale. Democracy has a role within the group of legitimate Torah scholars but we still must properly define this group.

Rabbi Ben Hecht

INSIGHT 5780 - #33: UNDERSTANDING CHOICE

For  Shelach

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