Walking in Hashem’s Ways

The end of פרשת אחרי מות speaks about refraining from walking in the ways of the Egyptians and Canaan, but instead to walk in the ways of Hashem.

This simple statement leaves a great deal to interpretation. On the one hand, the Pasuk is telling us to walk in Hashem’s ways regarding the Mitzvot that are difficult to understand, such as the prohibition against wearing wool and linen, known as שעטנז. It also includes the prohibition against eating milk and meat, which has no clear explanation.

There is also the emphasis on “walking” in Hashem’s ways. Walking implies avoiding stagnation and being active in our observance of the Torah. We are to avoid complacency and passivity, and not lose our enthusiasm and excitement in how we serve G-d.

This is the reason why we are told to run to perform a Mitzva and flee from sin. The end result will be the continuation of the Pasuk that tells us that we shall “live by them,” referring to the Mitzvot. Mitzvot bring life, when we “walk” and do not stagnate.