From the Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Zt”l
In this week's Torah portion, Re'ei, the Jewish people are commanded to maintain their own code of behavior and not learn from the nations that inhabited the Land of Israel before its conquest. The Torah states: "Take heed that you not be snared by following them."
A Jew must never ask, "How do these gentiles worship their gods, that I may do the same?" "You must not do this before the L-rd your G-d...But hearken to the voice of the L-rd your G-d, to keep all His commandments...to do that which is right in the eyes of the L-rd your G-d."
The Warning of Moses to Not Learn from Idol Worshippers
Moses warned the Jews against imitating the idol worshippers' conduct. Non-Jews have their own culture and customs, he explained. It is forbidden for a Jew to learn from their behavior! From a numerical standpoint, of course, Jews are the most insignificant of all the nations. Nonetheless, their conduct is entirely unique. In fact, when it comes to "life style" and day-to-day existence, Jews have nothing in common with the non-Jewish world. Some Jews might mistakenly think that the key to earning the respect and admiration of gentiles is by copying their behavior. Yet the opposite is true! It is only when Jews proudly maintain their Judaism and faith in G-d that they merit not only the respect of their gentile neighbors, but their support and assistance as well.
G-d Chose the Jews from Among the Nations
G-d placed the Jewish people among the nations so that others may see and learn from their uncompromising faith. Jews always remember that "You have chosen us from among the nations" and conduct themselves according to His will, as revealed in the Torah. The singular conduct of the Jews also serves as a living example to the gentiles, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to adhere to the Seven Noahide laws that apply to all mankind. The Jewish people have lived according to the Torah's laws for over 3,000 years. Yet despite its age, the Torah is equally relevant to our present day and age, imparting all who follow in its ways with renewed strength and vitality. When Jews keep G-d's laws and refuse to mimic the surrounding nations, they merit a multitude of G-d's blessings: long life and good years, tranquility and peace, physical health and true nachas. The gentile nations not only hold them in high esteem, but lend their assistance to yeshivot, Talmud Torahs, and facilities for the elderly.
Reprinted from the Parshat Eikev 5760/2000 edition of L’Chaim. (Adapted from Hitva’aduvot 5745.)
