Derech Eretz First – Parshas Vayikra 5772
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A most famous Midrash (Vayikara Rabbah 1:15) tells us that even though Moshe was the great leader of the Jews, the father of all prophets, the man who performed amazing miracles as the messenger of Hashem in Egypt, the Yam Suf and beyond, who brought down the Torah from Heaven, he still did not enter the Ohel Moed until Hashem called him. Hence, “Vayika el Moshe, Hashem called to Moshe… (Vayikra 1:1).” The Midrash concludes: “Derech Eretz, conducting oneself with proper character traits, precedes one’s ability to learn Torah.”
The Torah’s Order
Rabbi Ahron Kutler zt”l (1891-62) explains that really even proper Derech Eretz is a part of Torah learning. It is just that one must first master the laws of common decency (Derech Eretz) and respect in order to proceed to the other aspects of Torah. He states that this is why the Torah begins with Sefer Bereishis, called Sefer HaYasher by Chazal (which means, the Book of the Upright) because it tells over the great traits of the Avos and Imaos, the founders of our Nation. Caring for others and working on one’s middos refinement is the goal of the entire Torah. Only after the mastery of Bereishis does one encounter other laws of the Torah that follow. The Vilna Goan states in Mishlei (4:13), “The entire theme of the Torah is to refine one’s character traits, for if one does not, what is his life worth?”
Respect
The Mishna in Avos (4:1) teaches us that only one who respects others is deserving of respect. One who walks around acting as if the world revolves around him does not care for or listen to the feelings or needs of others. He is insensitive to anyone outside of himself and thus discounts the presence and existence of others. Anyone that feels these vibes will quickly wish to distance himself from this person as well and will not be respectful of him either. It is only someone who cares about and is respectful to others that wins the respect and admiration of those around him. The Torah only resides by someone who lives a respectful life and knows how to share and care for others. This is a part of the great legacy and lessons of the Avos. When one embodies this, he or she is capable of being respectable holders of Torah.
Our Service of Hashem
This lesson is directly related to Sefer Vayikra. Vayika represents the laws of the Kohanim and that of the Karbonos. Hashem only accepts the Avodah, service of those that are humble and respectful towards others. Nowadays, there are no sacrifices and tefillah, prayer, has taken their place. May Hashem answer our prayers in the merit of the care and respect that we show to others.
Categories: Parshas Vayikra
