A man drives 10 miles over the speed limit on one of New York’s
highways. He is stopped by a police officer who informs him, “That’ll
be three points on your driving record.” “Three points?” the man asks.
“What can I get with my points?” The officer replies, “With eleven
points, you can buy a bike.”
This week’s Torah portion discusses Laws:
The concept of laws, as we know it, is corrupted. We frequently apply
laws as is convenient – “what can I get” out of it? We ask. When it
suits our purposes, we carefully follow every rule and regulation. At
other times, we find loopholes and excuses.
So often, we have seen politicians passionately support the passage of a bill into law.
As soon as its popularity with their constituents diminishes, however,
they lose their conviction. Their ‘absolute’ principles become obsolete.
A society that stands on wavering morals, which must depend on law
enforcers to maintain civility, is bound to include wrongdoers. When
no one is watching, why not drive through a red light?
There is another form of law: the Ten Commandments, given by G-d,
ensure that we maintain our ethical standards and values. The only
motive we need for fulfilling them is “G-d instructed us”. Personal
factors are not considered. These laws are absolute. They don’t change
over time based on the fancy of mortal beings, and they don’t require
enforcers. By fulfilling the Ten Commandments, we remain moral people
despite the changes around us.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendy
