Taamei Hamitzvos - Wholehearted Faith
Reasons behind the Mitzvos
by Rabbi Shmuel Kraines
Parashas Lech Lecha traces Avraham’s rise to greatness and shows us the path to follow. After passing several critical tests of faith, Hashem promised him enormous reward, to which Avraham said, “But You have not given me any children [to inherit whatever reward I will receive]…” Avraham knew that according to the signs of astrology, he was not destined to bear children. Hashem took him outside and told him that his descendants would be uncountable like these stars (15:1-6). On a deeper level, the verse means that Hashem took Avraham “outside” the astrological influence of the stars and under Hashem’s direct influence. According to nature, he could not have children, but for Hashem — who is above nature — anything is possible (Rashi).
Later in this parashah, Hashem commanded Avraham to have wholehearted faith (17:1). This meant that Avraham — and his descendants who strive to continue in his path — should not be overly concerned about astrological signs, and they should not seek stargazers and fortunetellers. Rather, even if the astrological signs forecast doom, they should place their trust in Hashem alone (Ramban there and in Teshuvos HaMeyuchasos §283).
We can illustrate this idea with the well-known story of Rabbi Akiva’s daughter: Stargazers predicted that she would die on her wedding night, but she was saved by the merit of an extraordinary act of charity she performed by giving her portion of food to a poor person (Shabbos 156b). As heirs of Avraham’s legacy of faith, we can override the influences of astrology and other rules of nature through good deeds, prayer, and finding favor in Hashem’s eyes.
Much later in the Torah, Hashem repeats the Mitzvah to have wholehearted faith, this time to the Jewish people. The verse states, “Be whole [in your faith] with Hashem, your God” (Devarim 18:3). Rashi there comments that when our faith in Hashem is whole, we are with Him. This means that the more we internalize that He is the ultimate controller of every aspect of our lives, the more we merit to rise above natural influences and be “with Hashem” alone. Similarly, R’ Chaim Volozhiner famously said that when a person meditates on the fact that there is none other than Hashem, he is invulnerable to any harm (Nefesh HaChaim 3:12).
This precept is central to Jewish life. If a Jew becomes ill or experiences other types of suffering, he is meant to recognize that Hashem is disciplining him and prodding him to correct his conduct (Berachos 5a). Before taking medication, for example, he should first pray that it works, recognizing that Hashem is the ultimate Healer (Mishnah Berurah 230:6). Otherwise, there is a concern that he may place his trust at least partly in the doctor and medicine — which is a violation of the Mitzvah to place one’s trust entirely in Hashem.
With a short prayer, a person reminds himself of Who is ultimately in control; this recognition alone can be enough to merit relief. One should similarly involve Hashem in all aspects of his life by praying for all of his needs and thanking Him after having received them (see Shaar HaTziyun, ibid., and Berachos 9:5).
Avraham’s wholehearted faith gave him the strength to risk his life and stand up against the rest of the world. We shall carry his torch proudly and unflinchingly until all doubts fade with the rising sun of the Mashiach.
