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From: Rabbi Edward Nydle
To: heb_roots_chr@hebroots.org
Subject: Weightier Matters of the Torah

WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE TORAH

Ask the Rabbi: Are there a difference between the mitzvot of Yahweh in the Torah?

Answer: Shalom and thank you for the question. On the surface it seems that we cannot weigh the mitzvot of Yahweh. But I think if we rightly divide the Torah then we can see that there are Torah based differences of the weightier matters of the Torah. The Mishnah uses the words -"minor-kaloh" and "major-chamurah" concerning the mitzvot. These terms are used in Rabbinic circles to categorize the mitzvot in the various writings of the Law. Even the Torah differentiates between the commandments. A major indicator of the importance of a command is the penalty attached to it if it is transgressed. Some are punishable by death, karet- or a cutting off, lashes, fines, and bringing a sin offering to the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash.Now, since these punishments were rarely carried out by a court (Bet Din), we can come to the understanding that their PURPOSE then is to set the apparent value of the different mitzvot. In simpler terms- a death penalty sin was of greater value than one that required a "cutting off" from the people. The various penalties attached to the commands then serve a practical application in deciding an issue of Torah law. Therefore, when the Mishnah speaks of "major' or "minor" mitzvot it does not mean that certain commands are greater or lesser than another but it is referring to their true Torah defined status.

Our Rebbe, Yahshua HaMoshiach, said the following, " Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you tithe the mint and the anise and the cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the Torah: right ruling and the compassion and the belief. These NEED to have been done, without NEGLECTING the others." Mattithyahu 23:23. Here, Rebbe Yahshua is referring to Mikah 6:8;"What does Yahweh require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your Elohim." He is teaching us not to neglect the weightier matters of Torah (the heart condition and motives) but also that we should not leave the minutia of the law undone. He was saying that ALL the Torah is important but some ARE weightier [BARUS- grave, a load, abundance, authority, burden] than others. Rebbe Yahshua tells us that one should be equally diligent of all the Torah because we cannot know the rewards of each mitzvot we observe. This means we cannot by human reason or wisdom know their intrinsic value, since in essence, they are all of equal significance.

Our sages tell us that all the Torah shares of a singular essence. This is why it is said, "One who is preoccupied with a mitzvah is absolved from the obligation of another mitzvah." EXAMPLE: Caring for the sick during Sukkot means one does not have to eat in the sukkah during that time of caring for the sick relative. Since he is already preoccupied with a mitzvah, he need not stop doing the mitzvah, even for a few minutes, in order to do the other mitzvah. This applies to two different mitzvot regardless of the apparent greatness or smallness-any mitzvah may take the place of another. This is because they are all but the various expressions of one singular essence. Ya'akov ben Yosef said, " For whoever shall guard all the Torah, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." Ya'akov 2:10.

The word mitzvah means connection. In telling us to observe a command, Yahweh has made certain that a certain good deed should constitute the fulfillment of His Divine Will.He want to extend Himself to us, as Yisrael, to enable us as His creation and people to relate to Him- something no human being can do on his own-only through the Torah, which is His revealed will. The Torah is His desire and will for man. The mitzvot is the vehicle He designed in order for us to connect with Him and His desire and will. "The Torah of Yahweh is perfect." Tehillim 19:7. The Torah was given to help perfect the refine and help perfect the man of Yah.

The mitzvot have two dimensions. On the basic level they are commanded by Yahweh, and bind us to our Creator.In this aspect then all the mitzvot are equal. The major or minors are all the same in this aspect. But, Yahweh also made His Torah a path or way of life (Halakah) which improves and perfects those who walk in it."All its paths are SHALOM!"

This is the second dimension of the mitzvot. By Torah observance we develop in ourselves a sensitivity to others and to Yahweh.We are renewing our minds (Romans 12:1-2) to Yahweh's will and purpose for our lives. His perfect Divine Will is expressed through the Torah and the mitzvot. When we walk in His will then we are slowly being conformed to the image of His dear
Son. On this dimension there is a difference in the mitzvot. There is a difference between a weightier matter of the Torah that refines and perfects the major aspects of the character of the person and the one that deals with a minor area of Torah observance. There will be subjective differences, for each person responds to the Torah in his own unique way; some of the mitzvot have a profound effect upon them while others that relate to an area that needs less perfecting may not effect them as deeply. Since the mitzvot refine and perfect the whole person and his own personal experiences and needs, they will reflect the diversity of the human experience.

According to our Rebbe Yahshua, we should not neglect any of the mitzvot, nor lose sight of each ones importance in our lives. The mitzvot are to be used to build a Dwelling Place for Yahweh in this world-corporately and personally. Each mitzvah then is important and needs to be an influence upon your life, since they all share a deeper unified truth and oneness in essence. Be equally careful of them all, for their rewards in your life will be beyond all human understanding. I hope this answers your question.

Rabbi Edward Levi Nydle / B'nai Avraham

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