Dvar Torah for Parshat Ki Tetze

Based on Likutey Halakhot, Lo Yilbash Gever 2

"...there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

"No male article shall be on a woman, and a man shall not wear women's clothing. Whoever does such things is loathsome to God your Lord." (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Even though this verse contains two distinct mitzvot, the former addressed to women and the latter to men, both mitzvot contain advice for each gender.

Each of us is a microcosm and thus we contain within ourselves both male and female characteristics. Among "male" traits are those which move a person to be aggressive and war-like, to claim for himself that which he has earned, "conquered". "Female" characteristics include the ability to admit weakness and to be submissive. We are all aware, however, that there are times and places in which a person has to "borrow" traits from the other gender in order to properly respond to a situation at hand.

Reb Noson gives the following as an example: When a person stands in prayer before God he must be careful to present himself as powerless, totally dependent on God's good graces. One cannot claim that he deserves that which he is asking for; that is wearing a "male article" at a time when one needs to acknowledge that he would be impotent, were it not for God's constant help.

On the other hand there are times when the opposite has to be avoided, when "a man shall not wear women's clothing." There are situations where a Jew has to take a stand to prevent or uproot evil, whether within himself, in his family or in his community. (Of course, before you "shoot your gun" make sure you know what you're doing!)

Interestingly enough, the outcome of either of these offenses "is loathsome to God." Rashi comments on each mitzvah that its transgression leads to lewdness, which, our Sages tell us (Sanhedrin 93a) is an anathema to Hashem. In our context that means that the conceit which doesn't allow one to submit himself to God's will will also push him to "conquer" others whom he shouldn't (even if only in his mind).

So, too, if a person doesn't stand up to the evil urges within himself when he really ought to, then his drives will continue to abuse his submissiveness and push him to thoughts, words and actions that God finds loathsome.

In this month of Elul, when we are preparing for Rosh HaShanah, let us follow the advice of our holy works and take extra care to preserve and improve our kedushah (holiness, sexual purity). Make sure you "dress right" for every occasion!

Agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!