In Judaism, that feeling extends to the sacred commands, the mitzvot. How closely do we need to follow them? Can we embellish a little? Maybe cut a corner or two?
Well, the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) has something pretty clear to say about that.
The passage in Sifrei Devarim 82 (a rabbinic commentary on Deuteronomy) grapples with this very question. Specifically, it zooms in on the verse, "You shall not add to it, and you shall not detract from it" (Deuteronomy 13:1). Sounds simple enough. But what does it really mean?
The text uses two specific examples to illustrate the point: the lulav and tzitzit. The lulav is the palm branch we wave during the festival of Sukkot, and tzitzit are the fringes we attach to the corners of a four-cornered garment.
The question is: can we add to or subtract from these ritual objects? Can we make the lulav extra fancy? Or maybe shorten the tzitzit a bit for convenience? The answer, according to this passage in Sifrei Devarim, is a resounding no. The verse "You shall not add to it" is the basis for the prohibition against adding to the lulav or to the tzitzit, and "you shall not detract from it" for subtracting from them. We’re expected to follow the specifications exactly.
But the passage doesn't stop there. It goes on to discuss the Kohanim, the priests, and their role in bestowing the priestly blessing. Imagine a Kohen, filled with good intentions, begins to bless the people. Feeling particularly inspired, he decides to add his own personal touch, perhaps reciting an extra verse like, "May the L-rd, the G-d of your fathers, add to you, a thousand times as many as you are…" (Deuteronomy 1:11).
Noble sentiment. Not so fast.
The text argues that even speech shouldn't be added to the prescribed blessing. It draws this conclusion from the very beginning of the verse we've been discussing: "All the thing (davar) that I command you…" (Deuteronomy 13:1). Now, the word davar in Hebrew can mean both "thing" and "speech." So, the rabbis cleverly interpret this verse to mean that "even speech" – words – shouldn't be added to the commandments.
Why such strictness? What's the big deal about adding a few extra words or making a slight modification to a ritual object?
Perhaps it's about maintaining the integrity of the tradition. Or maybe it's about recognizing that we're not the authors of these commandments; we're simply the recipients.
Ultimately, this passage from Sifrei Devarim invites us to reflect on our relationship with tradition, with the mitzvot, and with the divine. It challenges us to consider the fine line between personal expression and faithful adherence, between innovation and preservation. And it reminds us that sometimes, the most profound act of devotion is simply to listen, to follow, and to trust in the wisdom of those who came before us. Because even the best intentions, the most heartfelt desires, must be channeled through the established framework. It’s a lesson in humility, and in the enduring power of tradition.