The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God.
Tag: Ethics
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Don’t Be Average
פרשת כי תבוא / ט”ו באלול תשפ”ב
In the curses that we receive if we do not follow the Torah is that we will become an average people. While there is nothing wrong with being average it is not a great accomplishment either. The Torah wants us to be above average in our moral and ethical behavior.
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The Reason for the 9th of Av
פרשת דברים / ו’ באב תשפ”ב
When we look at the literature of the 9th of Av, we notice that the Romans and Babylonians are barely mentioned. The real reason for the disaster is placed on the bad moral and ethical behavior of the Jews.
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A People That Dwells Alone
פרשת בלק / ט”ו בתמוז תשפ”ב
When Bilaam states that the Jews are a people that dwell alone he means that due to their morality and ethical behavior that will not find many others who would join them. When everyone else is immoral then the moral person finds himself alone.
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On Becoming Holy
פרשת קדושים – י”ז בעומר / ב’ באייר תשפ”ב
This week’s portion starts with “you will be holy”. Note that it does not say that we are holy but that we have to strive for holiness. Then it explains that we become holy through proper ethical and moral behavior, not by sacrifices and prayer.