To many people who have little or no knowledge of Torah, the Torah lifestyle seems to be anything but free. They point to the mitzvot as if they were intended to keep us from enjoying life. When we follow Torah, we cannot eat whatever we choose. We live life on a "schedule." We must pray at certain times, light candles by a specified hour, refrain from our usual activities on Shabbos or Yom Tov. To a person who approaches this life for the first time, it seems so regulated that there is no time to be human! The natural reaction is to rebel against the very idea of mitzvot, to follow what "everyone else" seems to be doing. Their motto seems to be: "I'll do what I want when I want to do it!" But is that freedom?
A wise man once said, "True freedom is not absolute. True freedom is submission to the Truth." One cannot claim to be free from the Law of Gravity and fly without wings. It is impossible. Think of any favorite activity that you enjoy. There are rules! Any sport - football, basketball, golf - have rules. When preparing a meal the cook must set the stove at the proper temperature or the food will burn. If the gardener does not ensure the proper amount of rain and sunshine for his plants, they will die.
Likewise Hashem has given us mitzvot to enable us to enjoy the blessings of freedom. When we learn Torah and follow its teachings, we experience how liberating life can be. Our relationships with our loved ones and friends are enriched. Our physical health, our business lives, every aspect of human existence is elevated to a level of holiness. We as individuals gain an indescribable sense of satisfaction and peace that comes only from knowing G-d and following His mitzvot. Submission to the Truth of Torah brings true freedom.
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| Hanukkah |
May you have a bright and blessed Hannukkah.
Related links:
"The Flame"
"The Lightness of Being"
"Chanukah,1942"
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