Re'eih: Creating New Mitzvot

[Chanan Morrison]

Re'eih: Creating New Mitzvot

"Be careful to observe all that I command you. Do not add to it, nor subtract from it" (Deut. 13:1).

It is obvious that it is wrong to abandon any of the Torah's laws. But what is so terrible about adding a new one?


The Neighbor Who Borrowed

Reuben once lent a plate to his neighbor Simon. A short while later, Simon returned the plate, but also added a small saucer.

"What is this saucer?" asked Reuben.

"Oh, the plate gave birth while it was at my house."

Some weeks later, Simon borrowed a pitcher. This time too, Simon returned the pitcher with a miniature one, giving the same peculiar explanation.

After a few months, Simon asked to borrow a set of silver candlesticks for a family occasion. Reuben was of course more than happy to oblige. But this time, Simon did not return the article. Finally Reuben approached his neighbor. "Simon, what happened to the candlesticks that you borrowed from me?"

"I'm very sorry to have to inform you," replied Simon, "but the candlesticks died."

"What nonsense!" Reuben shouted angrily. "Candlesticks don't die!"

Simon, however, was not flustered, "When I told you that your plate and pitcher gave birth, you accepted this without question. If plates and pitchers can reproduce, then candlesticks can also die!"

Divine Law

This parable explains the problem of inventing new mitzvot. If we allow ourselves to add our own laws, we will come to forget that the Torah and its laws are from God. And then we will soon find ourselves no longer keeping those laws which seem to us too difficult or inconvenient.


Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov, p. 394

http://parsha-story.blogspot.co.il/2012/08/reeih-creating-new-mitzvot.html