Shoftim
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in this week's parsha (Chapter 18, Pasuk 13), Tamim Tihyeh Im Hashem Elokecha. Onkelos explains the pasuk to mean that one should be complete in his service of Hashem. Rashi understands the pasuk according to its context and explains that it is teaching us not to go after sorcerers or others who predict the future. Rather, one must rely only on Gd and be whole and complete in accepting whatever Hashem brings his way.
The Sfas Emes explains the notion of Tamim Tihyeh based on its usage in the parsha of Bris Milah. We read in parshat Lech Lecha when Avraham Avinu is given the mitzvah of Bris Milah Hashem tells him (Chapter 17, Pasuk 1), Hishalech Lefanai V'Heyaih Tamim, Go before me and be complete. How is the mitzvah of Milah meant to make Avraham complete?
The Sfas Emes explains that the notion of Tamim and being complete is based on the fact that the desire for physical pleasure separates between us and Hashem. The Arlah man is born with is a barrier towards Gd and closes off our true desire for spiritual meaning and closeness to Hashem. Therefore, by performing the mitzvah of Bris Milah and removing the Arlah we are able to have less of a dependence on physical needs and consequently become more complete beings by having a closer connection to Gd.
This is also the meaning of our pasuk Tamim Tihyeh Im Hashem Elokecha. We are obligated to become more complete by becoming closer to Hashem. And this is achieved by not being so dependent and focused on our physical needs and breaking down the barriers between us and Hashem.
This also explains why this mitzvah in our parsha is given in the context of not following sorcerers and other charlatans. The nations of the world are focused on the physical world and their wisdom and knowledge is based on the physical world. However, our knowledge is beyond nature and comes from Hashem. Therefore, we become more complete when we are able to focus on our Divine connection which takes us beyond the limitations of the natural world.
This is the focus of our efforts during the month of Elul. The letters of Elul are meant to represent the pasuk in Shir HaShirim (Chapter 6, Pasuk 3), Ani Ledodi V'Dodi Li. This pasuk expresses this notion of Temimus as explained by the Sfas Emes. Ani Ledodi means that I am totally connected to Hashem; I have removed all physical barriers in order to establish closeness with Gd. And the pasuk teaches that when I reach out my efforts are returned with V'Dodi Li. When I reach out to Hashem, He responds and provides a commensurate closeness which further enables me to lessen my dependence on the physical world and accept His overture. This is the continuous cycle of closeness we look to establish during the month of Elul.
This is why just two pasukim later we read (Chapter 18, Pasuk 15), Navi Me'Kirbachem Ma'Achecha Kamoni Yakim Lecha Hashem Elokecha, Eilav Tishma'un. Hashem will establish for you a prophet from among your brethren similar to me, and to him you shall listen. This is the result of Tamim Tihyeh. When we reach out and desire to connect to Hashem, then Hashem will send us prophets. The Navi is how Gd reaches out to us and communicates to us through him. The Navi is the ultimate expression of V'Dodi Li. Unfortunately, today we don't have prophets because our desire for closeness to Hashem is not what it should be. And it is precisely during the month of Elul as the Yamim Nora'im approach that we are able to rectify the situation and do Teshuvah and get closer to Hashem, as the pasuk says Ani Ledodi. And in return for this longing and desire Hashem will get close to us and communicate with us directly through His prophets.
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