Why Is It Forbidden to Tear Paper on Shabbat and Eat Chametz on Passover?

Sarit's question: "Hello. I am at the beginning of my spiritual journey, and I want to ask a question that bothers me. I am sure that there is Hashem and that He gave the Torah to the people of Israel, but I find it hard to grasp the purpose of certain mitzvot. For example, I am careful not to select food on Shabbat, yet wonder why this matters to Hashem? Also, how does the prohibition against tearing paper on Shabbat, not listening to music during the Omer, or not eating chametz on Passover benefit me? (And why is it so important to burn the chametz?). On the other hand, it is important to me to mention that there are many mitzvot whose significance I do understand, like the laws of modesty, where the harm is known. I would greatly appreciate your answer, as I want to wholeheartedly believe in the importance of observing all the mitzvot diligently."

Hello and blessings Sarit, and thank you for your question. Good for you for your desire to strengthen yourself and your interest in the mitzvot. Your question stems from a true desire to understand, and with G-d's help, your curiosity will lead you to a better understanding of Judaism and strengthening in observing the mitzvot.

As you surely know, Hashem created your soul and placed you in a physical body to allow you to grow spiritually and mend your inner traits related to your soul. This means that Hashem is interested in you and everything you do - your thoughts, speech, and actions. The fact that Hashem gave you a good inclination and an evil inclination, and the free choice between good and evil, emphasizes that every mitzvah you observe brings you closer to the Creator, as it requires you to sacrifice your personal desires for Him. Therefore, it is proper and necessary to precede every action with thought and intention, directing our hearts in every mitzvah to focus on Hashem.

Let's use an analogy from the medical world, where even a tiny bacterium can harm an entire body, and sometimes meticulous and odd actions are required to heal the body or protect it from dangers beyond our senses. Similarly, behind every mitzvah lies a spiritual root connected to the soul's repair, which is not always visible. But beyond this hidden dimension, there is also an external dimension in the practical fulfillment of mitzvot that we can logically understand. It is worthwhile to acquaint yourself with the reasons behind the mitzvot, and the correct perspectives they offer, to strengthen your observance. I highly recommend studying the "Sefer HaChinuch," which explains the reasons for each mitzvah, and watching Rabbi Zamir Cohen's lecture "Mitzvot in the 20th Century."

Regarding your questions,

Shabbat is meant to remind us of the creation of the world. It is a day where we pause from our usual routine, all our material and business thoughts, to remember the blessed Creator and His holy Torah, dedicating our time to Him like guests welcomed into the King's palace.

Tearing paper on Shabbat (the act of tearing) may seem trivial, yet it is an act that creates a change in reality: it fixes something you want to use by separating two joined parts that were less useful to you before. Hashem commanded us to refrain from all work on Shabbat, as He rested on the seventh day. This allows us to emulate Him, affirm our faith in the creation, and develop a personal connection with our Creator that reflects the entire act of creation!

What might seem like a minor detail, the prohibition against tearing paper on Shabbat, is profoundly significant in refining our soul. Such small details remind us that Hashem wants us to prepare our needs in advance of Shabbat, embodying a significant concept that prepares our hearts for a Shabbat that is ready and desired, highlighting the importance of the special day where everything is prepared for us. These mitzvot also give us the correct mindset for the World to Come, where we aim to rectify all our deeds beforehand in this world, as stated by our sages: "He who labors on the eve of Shabbat eats on Shabbat" (Avodah Zarah 3a).

This notion is imprinted in our consciousness, even if unintentionally, and contributes to making us more spiritual individuals throughout the week. Everything you do on Shabbat should be directed toward the Creator, even how you select and eat your food! Thank G-d you are now at the point where you do not select on Shabbat, transforming your eating into an eating of purpose, without any form of food correction. Just note that even such a simple action can remind you of how every small thing in the world is important and precious in the eyes of Hashem. He is with you even in the smallest details of your life, constantly reminding you of this crucial fact. Because your thoughts are bound to the Torah in even seemingly minor details, you strengthen the deeply personal connection between yourself and the Creator.

There are people willing to travel to India and spend hours and days in meditation to feel even a drop of spirituality in their lives... but how many have tried the ancient Jewish meditation called "Shabbat Kodesh"? You are fortunate today to sanctify your soul on every Shabbat, and as a result, you draw a flow of blessing and holiness upon yourself throughout the week. Thanks to the Torah, you have become a more spiritual person.

Additionally, you do not listen to music during the Omer period, as you train your soul to grieve for the 24,000 Torah scholars who were lost to the people of Israel. This way, you engrave within your heart the importance and prestige of the Torah and the great importance of loving kindness. You are essentially shaping your heart to love and value the Torah, which, in turn, brings your soul closer to the Creator. Hence, actions attract hearts, so every deed, even a small one, holds significant influence over our emotions and opinions.

The prohibition against eating chametz reminds us of the importance of the Exodus from Egypt, because why else would a person forfeit their bread for a week, if not for something greatly valued? This prohibition connects us to our ancestors who left Egypt 3,300 years ago, embedding in our hearts the importance of faith in the holy Torah. Notice that this unites all the people of Israel across generations for an entire week annually, all due to their adherence to that extraordinary and unusual prohibition - a complete testament to the Exodus from Egypt. In this way, we also fixate in our hearts the correct perspective that our lives are not left to chance, and all our sustenance is in the hands of Hashem. By observing the chametz prohibition on Passover, we create in our souls an immense connection with all the people of Israel, our history, and the holy Torah.

(Photo: Flash 90)

The burning of the chametz also serves to show the seriousness with which we regard the prohibition against chametz. For if a mortal king commanded us to remove chametz from our homes, at best we would throw it in the trash. But when the King of kings, Hashem, commands us to annul the chametz from our city, we burn it in the streets! Anyone witnessing the chametz burning feels deeply that this command is from the King, not a mere human. Thus, this mitzvah instills in our hearts the significance of Passover and the severity of eating chametz during it (for only when we see something burned due to its prohibition do we grasp the importance of removing it from our homes and not eating it during the holiday).

Behind the mentioned mitzvot are countless reasons, both revealed and hidden, that address removing negative traits from our souls and instilling the correct ones, which connect our souls to the Creator. Our sages said: "The mitzvot were only given to refine creation" (Bereishit Rabbah 44). Hashem refines us with the commandments He gives, just as one refines diamonds to make them shine.

At this point, it is crucial to clarify that the mitzvot offer us genuine closeness to the Creator, whether we comprehend their reasons or not. The mitzvot act upon our soul, reaching our subconscious, thus affecting and refining it. For example, many rabbis today explain the evident benefit behind the mitzvah of family purity, which strengthens healthy and wonderful marital bonds well into old age. Even observant people unaware of this mitzvah's benefits still reap its rewards, enjoying its great bonding and love-building powers without knowing it.

This is true for all mitzvot: they benefit our souls, regardless of our understanding. When you observe Shabbat and diligently adhere to its prohibitions, you benefit your soul, even if you do not know the rationale behind your actions. You fulfill the mitzvah of the King, who is also your loving Father, knowing what's best for you. The commandments are thus the soul's "manufacturer's instructions." Hence, those returning to observance are happier and more joyful than before, acknowledging that Judaism has added light and joy to their lives.

Since you are in the process of spiritual strengthening, I recommend contacting the Hidabroot organization’s support line (03-6106061), where you can receive personal guidance on how to strengthen yourself pleasantly and understandably. Best of luck!