Walking In Hashem’s Ways
The Torah tells us in a number of places that we should walk in the ways of
HaShem. The Rabbis explain that this means that a person should strive to
emulate the character traits of HaShem. It is important to note that in
truth, HaShem does not possess ‘traits’ in the way that human beings do.
Since HaShem is Infinite, His essence is beyond our comprehension. When we
refer to His traits we really are referring to the ways that He expresses
himself in this world.
The Rabbis focus on traits that are connected to interpersonal
relationships, such as kindness and mercy. Moreover, there are numerous
stories in the Torah where HaShem acted in a way that expressed a certain
form of kindness. We know that all the stories in the Torah are not merely
historical narrative, rather they teach us vital lessons about how we should
conduct ourselves. Accordingly, when the Torah tells us that HaShem visited
the sick, as He did in the beginning of Parshas Vayeira when He visits
Avraham after his circumcision, then that emans that we should emulate G-d
by also visiting the sick.
In coming weeks we will discuss various aspects of this command emulate HaShem.
