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The mitzvos of the Torah were given for the sake of life – not death. We generally accept that the concept of mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice, is a reference to one who is prepared to give up his life for Hashem. Horav E.M. Schach, Shlita, posits that this is not the Torah’s intent. Rather, mesiras nefesh is defined by man’s devotion to “live” as a Jew – despite challenging situations. The Torah values human life, demanding that we maintain a lifestyle of Torah and mitzvos throughout our lifetime. People are frequently prepared to go to war to risk their lives for…

These three words, ofhekt ‘s hbt “I am Hashem your G-d,” preface the chapter which relates the laws of morality. The primary objective of the laws contained in Sefer Vayikra is to raise Am Yisrael to the spiritual level of a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Hashem had already mandated laws regarding holiness in the ritual service, man’s diet, and spiritual purity. In this chapter, He continued with laws dealing with moral purity. Horav Eli Munk, z.l., notes that moral legislation, like other types of legal directives, is not based upon social order, physical hygiene, or the instinct…

Horav M. Elan, z.l., offers a novel interpretation of this pasuk. The daily routine and lifestyle of some individuals are not consistent with their level of profundity in Torah law. They expound great scholarship, citing insightful thought and philosophy, but their actual behavior is consistent with one who is ignorant of the law. The true goal of every person should be that his conduct be commensurate with his degree of sophistication in Torah awareness. This is the Torah’s message. Your shall guard My laws and live by them. Your lifestyle shall reflect your knowledge. This is especially true when one…