The Hebrew word Mitzvot is typically translated as
“commandments” or” good deeds”. However,
there is more to this word. The root
means “intimacy” both at personal and interpersonal levels.
When thinking of commandments we typically think of rules
that are sterile and precise that is meant to punish those that transgress even
to the most minute or “insignificant” details.
The concept of punishment is employed and as such commandments or
commands have a very heavy negative connotation associated to it. We need to bust out of this mode of thinking
in order to better understand how the commandments can be intimate and
positive.
We tend to have a dualistic mind with commandments that
place judgment and mercy at the polar opposites where neither can meet with the
other. They are to meet at a middle
ground or balancing point that makes both beneficial to us when joined. Separately they are harmful and create
injustice. Even in our society many
times people will call for “justice” but in reality they are looking for
revenge within the scope of the law. We
miss the true intent of judgment and mercy pair.
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