Josh Friedman

Tanach

Director of Athletics

In the Gemara in Yevamot on 21a we find the obligation to protect the mitzvot by creating rabbinic decrees. This obligation is derived from the last pasuk in parshat Acharei Mot (Vayikra 18:30), "You shall safeguard my safeguards." When you read the translation of that part of the pasuk, "safeguard my safeguards," the restrictions can seem endless, and that is often the response people have when they learn about certain restrictions the Rabbis created. Someone might ask when the Rabbis will stop trying to take away everything from our lives. As I learned with my class this past week, however, much of our approach to life is about the perspective we take. We read in Sefer Bereishit that Yakov worked for 7 years in order to marry Rachel, but that because he loved her so much, the days and years flew by quickly. We spoke about perspective. The years and work were likely grueling, but because Yakov's perspective was one of achieving a goal for love, it completely changed the way he viewed the time and work.

We gave an example about two fans watching the same pitch in a baseball game, and disagreeing about the outcome. One might think it was a strike, while the other thinks it's a ball. They both honestly believe they are correct, there's no fan bias here, and yet still they see the same thing, but differently. Just as perspective can completely change one's perception of daily life, the same is true when it comes to rabbinic decrees. If our perspective is that the decrees are restrictive, learning the nuances of all the halachot can become difficult and tiresome. If, however, our perspective is that the decrees are not restrictive, but rather protective, protecting us from violating a Biblical commandment, then our perception of them can drastically change. Instead of being perceived as restrictive, they can be valued and even cherished, being seen as vital to our observance of the mitzvot. It all depends on one's perspective. Have a wonderful shabbat.