The Tisch: The pursuit of piety

28.05.2011                      24.Ijar, 5771                      Bamidbar; Tag 39 des Omer

Judentum:

The Tisch: The pursuit of piety

In three verses, the Prophet Micah expressed the essence of his mission (Micah 6:6-8).

First, Micah explored the possibilities of what God wants from us: “With what shall I approach God, pay homage to the Almighty on high? Should I approach Him with burnt offerings? With yearold calves? Would God be pleased with thousands of rams? With myriads of streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my womb for the sin of my soul?” Clearly this is not what the Almighty desires of us. Micah continued with a most powerful declaration: “It has been told to you, O man, what is good, and what God requires of you: Only to do justice, and love kindness and to walk modestly with your Lord.” 

What does it mean to “walk modestly with your Lord”? The hassidic master Rabbi Uri of Strelisk (1757-1826) understood that it meant that the pursuit of piety should be a private venture. Rabbi Uri explained that “walking” with God – meaning progressing from one spiritual level to the next – is conditional on that walk being done “modestly.” Privacy is thus a prerequisite for spiritual growth….