Surrendering to G-d

Rav Kook chose to speak about the nature of the Mitzvot, in his commentary on Parshat Bechukotai. He did this because there is an entire category of Mitzvot known as “חוקים.”

These refer to the laws in the Torah that do not appear to have a rational reason to them.The prohibition of milk and meat, the prohibition of wearing a garment mixed with wool and linen, and the offering of the Red Heifer, are three such examples.

Rav Kook quoted the Rambam who suggested that seeking the reasons for Mitzvot, should be done with great care. We should first view all of the commandments of the Torah, as גזירת המלך, the decree of the King. It is not within our capacity that which comes from Hashem, who is perfect in every way.

If we acquire true יראת ה׳, fear of G-d, we will not be troubled by any of the commandments that don’t seem to make sense. Instead, we will be in greater awe of such Mitzvot, that come from a very high place.

This is why the Rabbis emphasize that a greater reward is received for the Mitzvot that we are commanded to, rather than one who observes Mitzvot that he is not commanded.

This shows a complete surrender, הכנעה, to G-d. We accept that we cannot truly understand His ways, but we know that all that is demanded of us, is for our own good.

The חוק teaches us to be humble and have faith. We don’t have to understand the reason for everything we observe. But we must be firm in our commitment to follow the word of Hashem, down to the last detail.