He begins with a verse from Deuteronomy (13:5): “You shall follow the Lord your God.” But then he asks, how can mere mortals like us truly follow the Divine?
After all, as the Psalms (77:20) tell us, God’s path is through the sea, through mighty waters! Are we supposed to part the oceans and walk in those footsteps? And then there's the second part of that verse: “And you shall cleave to Him.” Cleave to God? Is that even possible?
Rabbi Yehuda continues, reminding us that scripture describes God as a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24). Daniel (7:9-10) elaborates, depicting God's throne as sparks of fire, with a river of fire flowing before Him. So, are we really supposed to cozy up to that?
It seems impossible. But that's where the beauty of the teaching comes in.
The answer isn't about literal imitation. It’s about emulating God's actions, reflecting God's values in our own lives here on earth. How do we do that? By looking at the beginning.
Rabbi Yehuda points out that from the very beginning of creation, God engaged in planting. Genesis (2:8) tells us, “The Lord God planted a garden in Eden.”
What does that mean for us? Well, Rabbi Yehuda connects this to another verse: "When you will come into the land and plant." The act of planting, of nurturing, of creating something beautiful and life-giving, is how we can emulate God.
It’s not about fiery thrones or parting seas. It’s about the simple act of planting a seed, of contributing to the world’s growth and beauty. It’s about creation, sustenance, and hope.
So, maybe we can't literally follow God's path through the sea, or cleave to a consuming fire. But we can follow the Divine example by engaging in acts of creation, of kindness, of nurturing. And that, perhaps, is the most meaningful way to draw closer to the Holy One, blessed be He.
What will you plant today?