The Torah, this week, warns us that when we come into foreign lands, and displace the inhabitants, we must be very careful. Not about harming the indigenous people, because it is Hashem Who created the world and can give the land to anyone He wants. Rather, we are warned that we should not say, “Let me see how the people of this land worshiped, and I will do the same.” Do we actually think that after Hashem has given us a good land we would stray after other gods?
The truth is, this was not a question of idolatry. It was about appropriating practices from the nations and trying to use them to serve Hashem. Though to us they might seem like lovely acts, planting trees, playing music, or different manners of humbling one’s self, any behavior taken from other nations is abhorrent. Rather, the Torah outlines how Hashem is to be served and by following those rules, we give Him the highest glory possible, because we care about what He wants.
Elul highlights the loving relationship with Hashem. When you love another, their wishes become yours, and you try to do what they desire. By serving Hashem as directed, no more and no less, we will be showing how much we love Him.
Thought of the week:
Trying to understand the nature of Hashem with human senses is like trying to measure the volume of the ocean with the scent of saltwater.
