Dvar Torah for Parshat Re'eh

Based on Based on Likutey MoHaran I, Lesson #245

Caveat Emptor!

How easy is it to come to genuine Torah? How easy is it to come to a good imitation? The answers are: not very and not very.

"There are chambers upon chambers of Torah, each leading to more and more chambers. In each chamber one can gather precious and delightful treasures and wonders. But one must take extreme care not to be fooled, for one is not soon worthy of [these treasures]. Many insights come not from there, but from the Chamber of Exchanges. Even what appears to be a genuinely deep insight can nonetheless be from the Chamber of Exchanges, for there as well, there are beautiful insights that seem to be correct conceptions of spirituality.

"For example, when one writes the word "human" on a piece of paper we picture in our minds a human being, even though the word itself does not have a human shape. One may sketch on paper a human figure in which the human form is more depicted [than in the word]. One may carve a figurine out of wood which even more closely resembles a human being, but it is still not a real person! Only an actual human being is in fact a human being...

"There are people who think that they are inside [the chambers of Torah], that they have even entered its innermost chambers, when in fact they are yet standing totally outside."

Usually in our dvar Torah we mention the snares relating to the yetzer hara of physical temptation. However, we also have a different yetzer hara—one that seeks spiritual satisfaction.

In three consecutive sections of Parshat Re'eh the Torah warns us about being tempted to seek spirituality in other pastures, even in a generic way (i.e., without any idolatry).

• "When God excises the nations to which you are coming...be very careful not to fall into a deadly trap by trying to follow them. Do not try to find out about their gods saying, 'Now, how did these nations worship their gods? I would also like to try...'" (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).
• "If a [Jewish] prophet or visionary...says, 'Let us follow other gods that are not from within our tradition...'" (ibid. 13:2-3).
• "If [someone near and dear to you, whom you trust] says to you, 'Come, let's go try a new religious experience, something from outside our tradition...'" (ibid. vv.7-9)

Both Ramban and S'forno point out that the seducer is not necessarily a missionary, but even one who is trying "to lead you away from the path that God has commanded you" (13:6). Our natural inclination for coming closer God and for appreciating profound thinking must undermine neither our simple faith in God nor our loyalty to His Torah. Even when we are impressed by a speaker or an author who renews our passion for Judaism, we must not abandon our critical, discriminating faculties. We must consider long and hard if that person has truly entered the Torah's inner sanctum, even somewhat, or if he is still outside. And we must pray even longer and harder to make the right decision.

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!