B"H
Monday, Iyar 3, 5783 (Hakhel Year) 18th Sefirah / April 24, 2023
This Shabbat we will read two Parshiot, Acharei Mot& Kedoshim, from the Book of Leviticus.
In one of the passages in Parshat Acharei Mot, the Torah says, “You should observe My statutes and My laws, which man shall do, and live by them.”
Q.What does the Torah mean with the words, “And live by them”?
A.The Talmud explains that the Torah tells us here that although each of G-d’s commandments are very important to fulfill, yet they were given to “live” by them and not to die by them. This teaches us that when there is a situation of life and deathand in order to live one must transgress one of the Mitzvot, life takes precedence.
For example: We are prohibited from eating non-kosher foods. However, when it is a situation of life and death and the doctor orders that they must eat a non kosher food item, otherwise they will die, the Torah commands us that life takes precedence. In that case it is a Mitzvahto obey the doctor and eat non-kosher food.
The same applies with Shabbat. When someone’s life is in danger, one is obligated to violate the Shabbat in order to save the person’s life. It is not a violation of a mitzvah, for the mitzvah of saving a life takes precedence.
This is why we see very religious Jews involved in the Hatzalah organization; a volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives. One can see very religious people driving the Hatzalah cars and ambulances even on Shabbat. Because when it comes to saving a life, one is not transgressing G-d’s commandment, but rather performing a greater mitzvah of saving a life.
Only for three mitzvot is a person required to give their life: 1) Idol worship; 2) Murder 3) Adultery.
“And live by them” - In a deeper sense, the Torah tells us that we should not perform G-d’s commandments as something forcedupon us and which we would rather not have to do. The Torah tells us, live by them. We should perform them withlife and enthusiasm.
Another explanation: One should not say, “While I am still young, I will concentrate on business and making a living. Only later in life, will I devote time for Torah and mitzvot.”
The Torah tells us, “You should observe My statutes and My laws.. and live by them.” You should study Torah and perform G-d’s mitzvot while you are young, energetic, and full of life.
Our sages in the Pirkei Avot (Chapters of our Fathers) teach: “One should not say, When I will have time, then I will study Torah, because you may never have time.” The time is NOW.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY