Hi,
O.K. It was very interesting.
A religious Jew received a Nobel Prize and observed Shaatnez.
His “official tie and tails” was free of a mixture of wool and linen.
He observed one of the commandments that defies our understanding.
But some Torah Minute readers were wondering.
Does Jewish tradition offer any insights into the meaning of Shaatnez?
… Here’s one approach.
There is meaning in the fact that we don’t understand it!
While the Torah is full of commandments that make a lot of sense to us?
There is tremendous value in an occasional mitzvah that we don’t understand.
The way the Torah tells us about Shaatnez is fascinating.
“Love your neighbor like yourself”. (Leviticus, 19:180
And the very next verse?
“Do not wear a garment that has both wool and linen”.
The Torah didn’t put things like Shaatnez in the “don’t expect to get this one” section!
It put it “right up there” with loving you neighbor!
The Torah is making a point.
Ethical teachings of the Torah are very important.
And we can’t have a relationship with G-d without them.
But we also need to do some things that we don’t understand.
Like Shaatnez!
Why?
Because it’s what G-d wants.
… Think of a wonderful marriage. Two people that are really in love!
Nothing gives each more pleasure than focusing on the needs of the other.
And doing what will make them happy.
In most cases?
They understand why something is important to the other.
But what is the true test of their love?
What happens when one needs something. But their spouse “just doesn’t get”!
“I can’t understand why that’s important to you”!
If they’re really in love?
They do it.
Because it’s important to the person they love!
(Think of a husband who is really into football.
And he just can’t understand why his wife needs to talk to him today.
It’s beyond him why she can’t wait until the season is over!)
… It’s the same thing between us and G-d.
And it’s not only about things like Shaatnez.
It’s true about all Jewish growth.
We should try to understand the meaning of all Jewish rituals.
But if we really want to express our appreciation for all that G-d has given us?
We shouldn’t always wait until we fully “get it”.
All the best,