"And You Shall Live by Them" – Now Live Simply to Live

A compelling story I heard sharpens the message of how important every moment of a Jew's life is, even if he is very ill and unable to perform certain mitzvot actively. Even in a state like being in a coma and unable to perform any mitzvot, if throughout his life he served Hashem, now not doing so due to compulsion is considered as if he is serving Hashem. Thus, every moment of his life, even if his sufferings prevent him from doing anything seemingly, is immeasurably valuable:

When Rabbi Yehuda Tsadka zt”l fell ill for the last time, Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul prayed intensely for his recovery. A rabbi present asked Rabbi Ben Zion why he insisted so much on prayer, given that Rabbi Yehuda Tsadka was already an elder who established a wonderful yeshiva, educated entire generations, and more. Now he was also suffering greatly; why prolong his suffering? Rabbi Ben Zion replied that there are two answers to this:

The first and main reason for praying for a great man's recovery is that the generation needs him so much. Every moment of his life is a defense for the generation, so they pray so hard for his recovery, even when he is of a very old age and sometimes even suffering.

The second reason concerns the patient himself. A person who devoted his life to serving his Creator with all his might, even when lying on his deathbed and unable to pray, is credited as if he is still doing his divine service. For someone who wishes to fulfill a mitzvah but is constrained and unable to do so is considered as having done it.

And the rabbi who told the story said: Rabbi Ben Zion's second response is deep and teaches us that even when obstacles and trials prevent a person from fulfilling his worldly duties as he wishes, he must not lose heart. Because these times of trials, due to which he cannot fulfill mitzvot, are considered precious time, as if he studied Torah and performed mitzvot.

How valuable is a simple moment of a Jew! Even if he is unfortunately ill and unable to perform all commandments, Hashem gains such gratification from every moment of a Jew's life that He considers it as if that person fulfilled Torah and mitzvot by the mere act of living.

Understanding the importance of a Jewish moment will lead to fulfilling "And you shall live by them."

Understanding how important each moment in a Jew's life is will lead to fulfilling "And you shall live by them" for its own sake – a life devoted to Hashem, who desires each moment of a Jew's life, living with the aim of bringing satisfaction to Hashem, who is so benevolent to us, and He expects to see our satisfaction from us at all times, especially when we follow His path and do His will.

Rabbi Tauber shlit”a tells about his esteemed father:

My father zt”l was a vital man, actively involved in Torah and certificate work. In his latter days, he was prevented by illness from engaging in all the spiritual activities he was used to, even study and prayer were difficult for him. Thus, he found himself confined to a wheelchair and limited. Every time I visited, I had to find things that would encourage him. These things had to be meaningful as he was a knowledgeable Jew, and trivial matters could not revive his spirit.

On one of my visits, I searched long and hard for what I could say to strengthen his spirit. And, with Hashem's help, God put words in my mouth that indeed strengthened him greatly.

So I said to him: "Father, Hashem arranged things wonderfully for you!"

He was surprised to hear my words.

I continued and said: "Father, what is the most important mitzvah out of all 613 mitzvot?"

Father pondered for a while and replied: "Without a doubt, the mitzvah of 'And you shall live by them' is the most important mitzvah in the Torah."

I continued my words and said: "All the mitzvot of the Torah must be fulfilled for their own sake. And here, when did you ever fulfill, Father, the mitzvah of 'And you shall live by them' for its own sake? You always lived to learn, to pray, to do kindness, to act for Judaism. Now, Hashem wished to merit you, so you could also fulfill this mitzvah of 'And you shall live by them' for its own sake. To this end, He put you in a wheelchair, as if Hashem says: 'I don't want you to engage in anything, live just for me. I want you to live. Let these be lives for their own sake – solely “And you shall live by them.”' "

My father's face beamed, and he said to me, "You spoke well!" He afterwards repeated my words many times.

A moment of a Jew, though it seemingly passes without action and appears to involve less mitzvah activity (certainly, one can still perform certain mitzvot in thought and cling to the love of Hashem), is significant before Hashem to the extent that He is willing to offer the entire world for it. We have no comprehension of this exalted matter.

To purchase the new book by Rebbetzin Esther Tolentino "Paths of Faith" at Hidabroot Shops,click here