It happens more than you think! Today, let’s dive into two fascinating examples of seemingly contradictory commands, straight from Sifrei Devarim.
Ready?
The first involves shatnez, that tricky prohibition against mixing wool and linen. You know, that rule that keeps observant Jews checking their suits and upholstery. Deuteronomy 22:12 tells us, "Fringes (wool and linen together) shall you make for yourself," seemingly permitting the very thing forbidden elsewhere: "You shall not wear shatnez" (Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 22:11).
Wait a minute… what's going on here? How can the Torah simultaneously command and forbid the same thing?
Sifrei Devarim points out that both pronouncements were stated together. It highlights the juxtaposition of these commandments, implying that the seeming contradiction is actually a purposeful teaching tool. It's not a mistake; it's a puzzle! Think of it like this: the Torah is saying, "Here's a rule… but remember, there are exceptions, nuances, and deeper meanings to be explored."
The rabbis explain that the exception to the shatnez rule is specifically for tzitzit, the fringes worn on a four-cornered garment. The Torah mandates that these fringes should include a thread of tekhelet, a specific blue dye. While the exact source and meaning of tekhelet are debated (some believe it was derived from a specific sea snail), the important point is that tzitzit represent a unique spiritual obligation that overrides the general prohibition of shatnez.
So, why this exception? Why allow the mixing of wool and linen in this one specific instance? One possibility is that it emphasizes the importance of mitzvot, commandments. The obligation to wear tzitzit, to remember God's commands, is so vital that it supersedes other restrictions. It reminds us that living a Jewish life isn't just about following a list of rules, but about actively engaging with God's will and striving for spiritual growth.
Now, let’s look at another example: the Sabbath. Remember and Keep. Two sides of the same coin. Exodus 20:8 says, "Remember (the Sabbath day)," while Deuteronomy 5:12 tells us, "Keep (the Sabbath day)." Again, Sifrei Devarim highlights that both were stated in one pronouncement.
But aren't remembering and keeping basically the same thing? Not quite. Jewish tradition understands these two commands as complementary aspects of observing the Sabbath. "Remember" (Zachor) calls us to actively recall the significance of the Sabbath, to acknowledge its holiness and its connection to creation and the Exodus from Egypt. We remember through words, through blessings, through conscious intention. "Keep" (Shamor), on the other hand, focuses on the practical observance of the Sabbath, abstaining from forbidden activities (melacha) and creating a space of rest and reflection.
Together, Zachor and Shamor form a complete picture of Sabbath observance. It's not enough to simply refrain from work; we must also actively remember and appreciate the gift of the Sabbath. And it's not enough to just think about the Sabbath; we must also create a tangible space of rest and holiness in our lives.
What do these two examples tell us? Perhaps that the Torah isn't always a straightforward set of instructions. Sometimes, it challenges us to think critically, to reconcile seemingly contradictory commands, and to delve deeper into the meaning behind the words. The Torah invites us to engage, to question, and ultimately, to find our own understanding within its timeless wisdom. It is in the space between the "remember" and the "keep," between the permitted fringes and the forbidden cloth, that we find a richer, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and our connection to the Divine.