Don’t Be Discouraged by Scoffers
Dealing with the challenge of individuals who discourage fulfillment of Mitzvos with Hiddur; approval of others is irrelevant to fulfillment of G-d's Mitzvos; lesson from Chanukah
By the Grace of G-d
20th of Kislev, 5725
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Greeting and Blessing:
I received your letter, in which you write about some individuals who are trying to discourage you from the fulfillment of the Mitzvoth with Hiddur.
Surely, with your background, it is unnecessary to emphasize to you that the reason Jews observe the Mitzvoth is because G-d commanded them to do so and not, G-d forbid, to find the approval of other people. If some difficulties arise, at one time or another, it is necessary to look at them as a challenge and a test of one's devotion and adherence to the Torah and Mitzvoth, as the Torah itself forewarns us, "For G-d tests you, to know if you love G-d your G-d, with all your heart and with all your soul." It is only a pity for those who choose to act as the distracting agencies, to make it more difficult for a fellow Jew, whereas this test and agency could just as well be carried out through others, while they could, on the contrary, serve as an encouragement, instead of a discouragement, for their fellow Jew.
It is surely also unnecessary to remind you that the 1st of all the four parts of the Shulchan Aruch begin with the imperative, "One should not pay attention to the scoffers," indicating that this is a basis for the whole of the Shulchan Aruch.
As we are soon to celebrate the days of Chanukah, it is well to remember that the events of Chanukah emphasize the self-sacrificing devotion of Jews to the Torah and Mitzvoth. What they had to contend with in those days at this time was not a prohibition to study Torah in general, or to observe the Mitzvoth in general, but to study Torah as G-d's Torah, and to observe the Mitzvoth which are specifically beyond human reason (Chukim). This is why the text in םיסנה לעו says ךתר ו ת םח י כשהל, etc. It is when the Jews were absolutely determined to adhere to "G-d’s Torah and Mitzvoth at all costs, that the miracle of Chanukah took place.
Wishing you an inspiring Chanukah
With blessing,
By Nissan Mindel
