The Innocent, Melodic, and Majestic Torah
We read about receiving the Torah in this week's parsha, but what is it? This document that was the blueprint of the world has many facets to it, and by exploring three, we can strengthen our connection with it.
The Innocence Doctrine
If one were to run away from the Torah after accepting it, how would you characterize such a person? Maybe an irresponsible adult, or one fearful of responsibility, or a deserter? Yes, in actuality, when we are told in Bamidbar that the Jews fled from the Torah after receiving it, the language used (Gemara Shabbos 88b) “is like a child running from school.”
This is a childlike language with imagery ensconced in innocence. What's the message? G-d is looking for a childlike love of the Torah, which has no bounds. Children are innocent, and their excitement about something is unmatched. No adult can enjoy such excitement and carefreeness as a child. But that's what's being asked of us.
Embrace the Torah like a child's enthusiasm for something he loves. Then we can reach the innocence doctrine of the Torah.
The Melodic Experience
The Netziv elaborates on why the Torah is referred to as a Shirah, a song. A song affects every person differently. Some are moved by certain notes, while others become attached to other ebbs and flows of the music.
The Torah exists on many levels and has many areas to focus study on. It's true that the goal is to know kol ha'Torah kulah, all of the Torah, so that we can apply the correct halacha to every situation, but many of us may never reach such a feat.
But that's not what we're held accountable for. We're responsible for not withdrawing our focus from the Torah, and as long as we continue to study it, we are doing our part.
But the responsibility is really narrower. As mentioned, the Torah is a song meant to appeal to people in different ways. Some may love studying commentaries on the Chumash, others might enjoy studying the Gemara in-depth. Some might be attracted to Medrash and others the Prophets.
We were given many notes to choose from, and we must pick the one that speaks to our heart. That shows the depth of the Torah, being so vast that it can cater to every individual's unique taste.
A Majestic Life
The plain meaning of the word Torah is hora’ah, instruction. The Torah also acts as the director, telling us how to relate to every situation.
As an example, not too long ago we read about the Shirat Hayam. There, Bnei Yisrael gave an outpouring of gratitude for the miraculous splitting of the sea.
A halachic debate originates based on the experience of the Exodus from Mitzrayim itself and the Yam Suf. One way is to view these two events as one, and the splitting of the sea was merely the conclusion of our Exodus. The other way to view it is that they were two different experiences, each being their own separate miracle.
Depending on how one views it answers a question about an ER doctor who is called out after saying Az Yashir without the ability to say Shema, which explicitly mentions zechirat yetziat Mitzrayim. The Magen Avraham doesn’t view the Shirah as covering the actual Exodus of Egypt because he sees it as a separate miracle. However, the Pri Megadim holds that Az Yashir satisfies the zechirah of Mitzrayim because it was the actual conclusion of the whole Exodus.
We see here instruction from the Torah. It widens our eyes in understanding how to live our lives. No nation has this book of majesty that covers all areas of life.
Conclusion
If one were asked how they should approach the Torah in the most complete way, the following answer could be given. Approach it like a child. Bring your innocence, youthfulness and childlike excitement to it. Then, mostly engage in that part of the Torah that personally speaks to you. What area will bring out the most potential for you in your life? In what area can you contribute the most? Make your notes with it shine. Lastly, feel honored and in reverence of the Divine who created such a book of grandeur that instructs on how to live a glorious life.