Chizuk and Idud

Chizuk & Idud for Shoftim

We are accustomed to describing mitzvot as either Bein Adam L’Chavero (interpersonal) or Bein Adam LaMakom (between man and God). A third category sometimes suggested is Bein Adam L’Atzmo (between man and himself). In this third category we find, for example, the mitzva of Torah study, for we must study Torah to achieve personal growth.
This week’s parasha deals with a fourth category which is often overlooked due to our long exile. These mitzvot can be called Bein Adam LaChevra or Bein Adam LaMedina (between man and society or between man and the State). These are laws that cannot be fulfilled by the individual. Rather they are the collective obligations of society. Only a society can establish a government, courts, law enforcement agencies, an army, and rules of combat. Without an independent state, these mitzvot are relegated to theoretical study without practical implementation. If a Jew does not live in an independent Jewish state, he cannot fulfill these mizvot.
Our generation is blessed. In our time, in our country, these mitzvot are no longer merely theoretical. Being self-governing, we are challenged to bring this dormant area of Torah to life. Establishing a police force, an army, courts and government are mitzvot when they are done in Israel.
I once heard an interesting interpretation of the verse in Tehilim 147:19: “He declares His word to Ya’akov, His statutes and His judgments to Yisra’el.” When we are Ya’akov, a name that represents Galut, many parts of the Torah are merely words. But when we become Israel, those parts of the Torah become living statutes and judgments.

TORAH THOUGHTS as contributed by Aloh Naaleh members for publication in the Orthodox Union’s ‘Torah Insights’, a weekly Torah publication on Parshat HaShavu’a

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