By Rabbi Dovid Sapirman, Dean, Ani Maamin Foundation
One common question in emunah is, “I was not there at Har Sinai when the Jewish people accepted the mitzvos. I never chose to do this. Why should I be obligated in all of these commandments?”
First of all, Chazal tell us that all neshamos, including those of later generations, were present at Har Sinai and did indeed accept the Torah. However, the questioner may be looking for something more down to earth. The question actually has two parts. Why should I be obligated to keep all these mitzvos? Why is it fair to force me to observe, since I never chose to accept?
Imagine that someone drives through a stop sign and is pulled over by a police officer, who writes him a ticket. The driver protests, saying that he looked in all directions and saw no car—why must he stop for the sign?
The officer will answer, “The law requires a person to stop at every stop sign, whether cars are coming or not.”
“I never agreed to this law,” the man says, but the officer responds, “These are the laws of the land, and you are bound by them whether you personally accept them or not. If you don’t like these laws, find another country to live in.”
This world is Hashem’s; He is the ultimate Lawgiver. The Torah says that its covenant was agreed for that generation and all to come, so indeed we are obligated. There is nowhere that Hashem does not rule, so there is no choice but to abide by His word. So why would Hashem insist that future generations, who never promised to keep the Torah, be obligated in it? Isn’t that unfair?
We must understand that Hashem loves us. He gave us His Torah out of love—we say this in our tefilos repeatedly. Torah and mitzvos are His precious gift to us; through them we merit Olam Haba. Not only is it good for us in the next world, but it is also a recipe for happiness and success in Olam Hazeh too.
Hashem is not out to hold us back from the good things of this world. There is a blessing recited upon seeing fruit blossoms in the spring, thanking Hashem for creating such beauty for people to enjoy. Though we cannot eat all foods, wear all clothes, or engage in all activities we may desire, a person who keeps the Torah can still enjoy an almost endless variety of good food, dress in dignity with non-shatnez clothing, marry and have a family, own a car and a home, and enjoy vacations. Frum people are not deprived.
To see beyond the comfort and convenience of this world requires thought and maturity. Our Creator wishes to reward us for eternity, and gave this opportunity to all future generations who did not personally stand at Har Sinai.
