Taking Accountability

This week’s Torah reading contains Vihayah Im Shamoa, a passage so central to Judaism that it is included in the daily Shema and written in tefillin and mezuzos. 

This passage mentions the observance of critically important mitzvos: wearing tefillin, studying Torah, and affixing mezuzos. These mitzvos serve as constant reminders of G-d’s presence, keeping Him at the forefront of our lives. 

These mitzvot, however, also appear in the first paragraph of the Shema. What makes Vihayah Im Shamoa significant is its promise of reward and punishment. When we observe G‑d’s will, we will be blessed with prosperity, and if we fail to do so, we will be punished by hardship, difficulty, and exile. The intent is clear. Our deeds determine our future.

Many dismiss this as a childish view of religion. Rewards and punishments may seem suitable for children, but adults often feel G-d is far beyond such a system. He is transcendent, and as such, He is above handing out prizes for good conduct and punishment for disobedience.

How far from the truth! Human accountability is fundamental to Judaism. Without consequences for our actions, life would have no order or design. Alternatively, G‑d would be controlling everything by absolute decree and then it would make no difference how we conduct ourselves.

Instead, man determines his fate through his actions. Just as cause and effect govern the physical world, they also govern the spiritual one.

This is precisely why the idea is difficult to accept: it's easier to deny judgment than to accept that every action has consequences. 

This said, G‑d’s scales of justice are determined by His own unfathomable judgment, not ours. He is truly infinite and controls the world as He sees right. As Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev would say: “When I was a young man, I thought I could give G‑d a lot of advice about how to run the universe. As I grew older, I realized that He was doing just fine.” Our mission is to attune ourselves to His will and live in consonance with His standards.

Shabbat Shalom!

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