עברית
Faith
The Concept of Decency Precedes Torah, What Does It Mean?
Question
Hello and blessings! What is the meaning of the phrase 'the concept of decency precedes Torah'? Does it mean that one must first know how to behave as a human being before anything else? Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello and blessings!
Walking in the path of decency and behaving like a human being does not serve as a substitute or prerequisite for following the ways of the Torah. The path of decency is not a complex process that requires a period of freedom from the observance of Torah.
The statement 'the concept of decency precedes Torah' clarifies that the Torah does not address the concept of good character traits that a person should adhere to, such as abstaining from pride and anger, behaving with humility, and so on. It is said that the Torah was given solely to instruct humans on the ways they ought to follow. Clearly, a person must first decide to walk in the ways of humanity and exhibit good character traits; only then can they properly follow the ways of the Torah. It suffices to make a single decision: I will strive to be a good person with the help of Hashem, and simultaneously, I will be able to study Torah and fulfill mitzvot.
Best of luck - Menashe Yisrael
