Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar. Please consider forwarding this to others, and I hope you enjoy... _______________________________________________ The Torah prohibits us from making idols, statues, or monuments and immediately follows with a mandate to keep Shabbat and fear G-d’s Sanctuary (26:1-2). What is the connection between the two sets of directives, such that they are placed next to each other? Rav S. R. Hirsch expounds that the Torah laws that govern our lives should not be limited to a particular space or act but function as a way of life, expressed through all our actions. Living a life guided by Torah laws enables G-d to dwell within us as we show homage to G-d through acts of personal sacrifice and commitment. Observance of Shabbat and Holidays symbolize our recognition, covenant, and remembrance of G-d’s guidance and influence upon our actions. _______________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "Worry about your character and not your reputation, because your character is who you are and your reputation is only who people think you are."