At the time of their redemption from Egypt, the Jewish people are referred to as the Army of Hashem. We are fighting Hashem’s battle in this world to overcome and eradicate the forces of negativity which conceal the true reality and presence of G-d within the world. Soldiers serve and fulfil their mission with absolute Kabolas Ol, ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause. We too must serve Hashem with absolute subservience, sacrifice and dedication, a holy folly.
Serving Hashem with the irrational dedication of Shtus D’kedusha is not a license to engage in extreme behaviours and do whatever we decide is necessary and important. Shtus D’Kedusha is not about what we do, but rather the attitude and dedication to doing what we are supposed to do.
This too is illustrated in the analogy of an army. The foot soldiers who go out to war with Mesiras Nefesh do not decide the battle strategy and actions that are to be taken. There is a hierarchy and chain of command who make these determinations. The foot soldier must then carry out the mission as given to them with irrational dedication.
Last week, a group of vigilante Bochurim decided to take matters into their own hands to deface 770, to carry out a mission that they saw fit. No doubt they considered their brazen actions as a Shtus of Kedusha and Mesiras Nefesh. But these soldiers went rogue.
In the army of Hashem, we have a chain of command starting with the Commander-in-Chief - Hashem Whose directives are set forth in Shulchan Aruch. We have the directives of our Rebbeim which include consulting and following the rulings of Rabbonim, Mashpiim and Ziknei Anash. These are analogous to the superior officers, who issue the directives and orders on what must be done. Were they consulted?
When the king sees the irrational dedication of his foot soldiers in carrying out their orders, he too does the irrational, releasing and squandering all of his treasures to supply his soldiers with whatever they require to ensure victory.
Let’s use this holy day to rededicate ourselves to seek the guidance and direction of our “superiors” and to follow the laws of Shulchan Aruch with absolute Mesiras Nefesh. Then Hashem will shower us with the deepest revelations to strengthen our souls and enable us to fight and finally win our battle.
