I saw an interview a while ago with a convert to Judaism, discussing his journey. He spoke about how Torah has led him to finding real meaning in life. He mentioned the various classes that he attends; a shiur in hilchot Shabbat, another in kashrut, etc. and then he shared the following powerful line; “The learning that I do helps me when it comes to my character traits and my middot. It helps me control my anger, my thoughts, my speech, it helps me guard my eyes. These lessons that I’m learning along the way are helping me become a better man and that’s what I’m all about becoming a better individual.”
Wow! Isn’t that powerful? He nailed it so clearly. All the Torah learning that we do is for one purpose; to make us into better people. The medrash teaches that if somebody tells you that there’s wisdom amongst the goyim, then taamin, you should believe them; however if somebody tells you that there’s Torah amongst the non-Jews, al taamin, you should not believe them.
The Sifsei Chaim quotes Rav Abba Grossbard who wondered what the medrash is telling us with the phrase, “If there’s Torah by the goyim do not believe them.” Of course not! The Torah wasn’t given to the goyim. The Torah was only given to the Jewish people, so why would anyone even entertain this ridiculous notion that there is Torah by the goyim? Rav Grossbard provides such a profound answer. The Torah comes from the word morah meaning to teach us how to live. Torah refers to Torat Chaim, the Torah of life. The Torah is what allows us to live life in a more refined, pure, and proper way.
The Rambam tells us that the purpose of all the mitzvot is to make us into better people. It is to change us. They help us live a more refined and ethical life based on the ideals of how Hashem wants us to live. The medrash is saying that if you are told that there’s wisdom by the goyim, believe them because yes it’s true, there’s lots of wisdom amongst the non-Jews. However, if someone says that they have Torah which is a source of wisdom that literally changes people, that turns individuals into better, more refined people, do not believe them because the only source of wisdom in the world that can change people for the better is the Torah which belongs solely to the Jewish people.
This is exactly why the Greeks wanted to rid us. It is our unique ability to transform ourselves into refined, proper, moral people that only comes from the Torah and the mitzvot that scared them. This Chanukah as we watch the candles burning, let us remember that the beautiful Torah we learn and observe daily is transforming us into the best possible versions of ourselves, and the more Torah and mitzvot that we bring into our lives, the greater people that we will become. I want to wish all of you a very happy Chanukah!
Rabbi Yaakov Moskowitz is a motivational speaker who has inspired Jews around the world through his engaging lectures and videos on a wide array of practical Jewish topics. To receive Rabbi Moskowitz’s short clips, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Chanukah: Appreciating What They Tried To Take Away
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