Rabbi Roodyn

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch continues his commentary on this pasuk with a point that is as relevant now as it was when he wrote it some 150 years ago.

“You have built an indestructible foundation for Your kingdom because of those who consider You  an impediment for their ambitions and in their views on life. These men would banish You from the thoughts of mortals. They would leave no room for G-d’s guiding presence in actual, everyday living, but would confine the worship of You to certain places, times and occasions: to temples churches synagogues, festivals and special ceremonies of life.”

The story is told of the Gerrer Rebbe, the Chidushei HaRim who as a young boy was taunted by some older boys, who offered him a gold coin if he could tell them where G-d is. He is reported to have replied with his characteristic sharp wit, ‘I will give you two gold coins if you can tell me where He is not!’’

Not only does Hashem’s glory fills the world, it is far greater than any created form. However there are many people who would like to put G-d in His place and keep Him for religious ceremonies and major life cycle events, not to be invoked to interfere with our daily lives.  To be a Jew is to engage with Hashem constantly, He is as present in the home, in the workplace, in the streets as much as he is in the Synagogue, Beis Hamedrash or Yeshiva. True spirituality is not confined to one place or time of day, month or year.

Rather than view His will, as a restrictive system of 613 rules, regulations and obstacles that we need to navigate with halachik deftness to enable us to live our lives, we would do well to remember the words of the Chiddushei HaRim and invite Him into every aspect of our lives.

This idea underpins the whole concept of Sukkos, and pG we will elaborate on that more before Yom Tov.

Wishing you a good Shabbos.