In a translation from Rabbi Gershon Winkler, Rabbi Simlai’s whole message was as follows: 613 precepts were given to Moses at Sinai: 365 prohibitions according to the 365 days of the solar cycle, and 248 imperatives corresponding to the 248 organs of the human body. Then came David, and narrowed it down to eleven, as it is written: “Oh God, who shall merit living in your tent, who shall dwell on your holy mountain?” He gives the answer: “The one who walks the path of simplicity and performs acts of benevolence and his heart resonates with truthfulness; whose speech knows no deceit, and who does not wrong fellow creatures nor shame those who are kin; who despises those who are sinister, and honors those who appreciate the gifts of the creator; who keeps promises to others and will not renege even at personal hardship; who does not exact interest for money loaned, nor accept bribes at the expense of the innocent” (Psalm 15). Then came Isaiah and narrowed them down to six, as it is written: “The one who walks with deeds of benevolence and resonates with righteousness; who despises profits gained from oppression; whose hands recoil at the offer of bribes; whose ears are muffled from hearing of destructive schemes; whose eyes are shut from gazing upon evil” (Isaiah 33:15). Then came Micah and narrowed them down to three, as it is written: “Perform justice, love benevolence, and humble your walking with your creator” (Micah 6:8). Then came Isaiah again and narrowed them down to two, as it is written: “Be ever so cautious to do justice, and do charity” (Isaiah 56:1). Then came Amos, who narrowed them down to one, as it is written: “Seek God, and live” (Amos 5:4). And then came Habakkuk, according to Rabbi Nachmon ben Yitzchak, and narrowed them down to one in another way: “The just [righteous] person shall live by faith in God” (Habukkuk 2:4). Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, MD Torah as a Guide to Enlightenment (Parsha Ki Tavo)
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:10:15 +0000
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