In this video you will witness a celebration for Simchat Torah in Tel Aviv Israel. If you do not
know what that is, it is a celebration of the law of God, more specifically the Torah being given
to Israel from God through Moses.
Why would anyone be happy about that you may be tempted to think. After all, laws are restricting and annoying, aren’t they? Well, it really depends on what laws we are talking about and how they are approached. Because laws can also be very freeing and helpful as some examples from the Torah can show.
“If you see another Israelite’s ox or sheep out where it doesn’t belong, don’t pretend that you don’t see it. Make sure you take it back. If the owner doesn’t live near you or you don’t know who owns it, take the animal home with you. Keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Then give it back. Do the same if you find a donkey, some clothes, or anything else that another Israelite may have lost. Don’t pretend that you don’t know what to do.” Deuteronomy 22:1-3
Don’t you think you would feel much better in a world where people didn’t turn a blind eye to the misfortunes of others and tried to make things right whenever they had the opportunity to do so? I would.
Also check this out. “Never mistreat a foreigner living in your land. Foreigners living among you will be like your own people. Love them as you love yourself, because you were foreigners living in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. Don’t be corrupt when administering justice concerning length, weight, or measuring liquid.” Leviticus 19:33-35
The Golden Rule to treat others the way you would like to be treated applies to everyone according to the Torah. God wanted Israel to be an example of excellence in regards to what it means to be a just society that others could look up to as an example of inclusion and fair-trade practices. Wouldn’t you feel so much better knowing that whenever you ordered something you could be confident you wouldn’t be ripped off and that you would never be treated unfairly because of where you are from?
You see, laws that restrict certain behaviors can also expand our physical and mental wellbeing. Laws are not just there to make things less fun; good laws can make life more enriching. And that is worth celebrating and more importantly committing to. Read the Torah for yourself.
