The Torah in its moral code clearly defines that which is proper and moral, as opposed to that which is decadent and immoral. Society is always in flux, and that which was considered immoral and degenerate is no longer regarded as wrong and reprehensible. Intellectuals are constantly expounding new perspectives and outlooks on morality. The Torah here enjoins us to categorically reject the morals and way of life of the society wherein we live when they are antithetical to the Torah. We are admonished not to imitate the “doings of the land of Egypt or Canaan” even if this is what is in vogue. The loyal Jew must maintain his standards and not cut down his Torah ideals to conform to the practices of those around him. The Shoel U’mayshiv remarks regarding the end of this posuk –“you shall not walk in their statutes” – chukim”, that the term “chukim” denotes a commandment which defies easy rational explanation. He states there are also sins which defy rationale, since there is nothing reasonable or commendable about them. Nevertheless, people still find themselves attracted to these irrational and senseless offenses so that the Torah must warn us regarding them. We can see that a life not guided by Torah and mitzvos is a life out of control and without direction. There is a famous Chassidic thought regarding the Torah‘s admonishment to Aharon “not to enter the Kodesh at any time” (16:2). Not all that is fashionable and in vogue should be brought into Hashem’s sanctuary. Just because something is stylish by today’s standards does not validate its introduction into the Sanctuary. Only that which comes from the Torah as expounded by our Torah leaders is acceptable.
