5785/2025
In this week’s Parashah, the Torah warns us: “Like the practices of the land of Egypt, in which you dwelled, you shall not do” (Vayikra 18:3). On a basic level, as Rashi explains, the Pasuk is teaching us to avoid the corrupt and immoral behaviors of the Egyptians. But the Divrei Yisrael of Modzitz offers a deeper insight: the Torah is not only warning us about external actions; it’s also teaching us never to return to the emotional and spiritual state we were in while living in Mitzrayim. One could therefore understand the Pasuk as saying "Like our own emotional/spiritual practices of the land of Egypt, in which you dwelled, you shall not do"
Yetziat Mitzrayim was not just a location change; it was a transformation of our inner world. During our time in Egypt, and even throughout our physical departure, we carried a deep sadness. The Zohar in BeShalach says that Bnei Yisroel’s spirits were so broken that they couldn’t even rejoice. That’s why after these Pesukim in Acharei Mot, the Torah continues by urging us to follow Hashem’s Mitzvot and “live by them.” "You shall keep My laws and My rules, that man should do, and live by them! I am Hashem". Hashem doesn’t just want mechanical obedience; He wants us to live our Yiddishkeit with energy, joy, and freshness.
The holy Rebbe of Kazhmir added a beautiful image: life is like crossing a cracked and unstable river. Don’t dance recklessly, and don’t freeze in fear, move forward with alert joy. Practically speaking, this means approaching davening, learning, and mitzvot with a mindset of positivity and vitality. We don’t need to wait for the “perfect mood” to serve Hashem we can choose to bring joy and life into our Avodat Hashem each and every day.