We conclude Chapter 24 where the Alter Rebbe gives us a vivid description of what happens when we go against the will of God. He tells us that it is like taking the head of the king (King) and immersing it in a toilet bowel filled with filth. Of course, when all is done, the head is taken out the bowl and – so to speak – life returns to normal. But the mere thought of the analogy is enough to make us aware that while it is that when we sin, we disconnect from God from those moments – and even though we can reconnect back to God immediately afterwards, the whole process involved with the sin is a most insulting one towards to king (King.)
Chapter 25 is a crucial chapter which brings our discussion regarding the chapters 18-25 to an end. We’ve been dealing with some serious matters related to arousing the inner love within ourselves in order to serve God. After all, Moshe Rabbeinu tells us that it is close to us in our mouths and our hearts to do it. But we just don’t seem to feel it to be that way.
The Alter Rebbe had taken us on a detour spanning the first two of the Ten Commandments, and showing us how all positive and negative commandments are related to those first two commandments respectively. The “trick” is to be able to tune in to realise that no matter what Mitzvah is involved, it can be traced back and linked with one of the those commandments. Once we do this, we can realise that when we involve ourselves in positive Mitzvot, we merit to cleave to God. On the other hand, when we disobey the Torah (God) and fall into the trap of committing Aveirot (sins), we disconnect from God – completely. Really – just as much as real idolatry – the second of those two commandments.
Now, though it is true that a Jew will give up his life rather than commit idolatry, he may well commit other sins. But the Alter Rebbe tells us that really all Mitzvot should be seen in this light. We should realise how we disconnect from God when we commit any sin — just as much as when we commit idolatry (God forbid.) Therefore, why do we stumble when we commit other sins? It is because of the spirit of folly that enters into us (just as it does the adulterous woman who sins because she does not realise how she disconnects from God at the time, thinking that she really is still connected.)
The Alter Rebbe is telling us to take all commandments as seriously as we do idolatry. We should realise how we are separating ourselves from God even for a sin that occurs due to not following even a rabbinical law.
However, the Alter Rebbe tells us that if we have stumbled, there is still a way out. We can still repent – do Teshuvah. It is not always easy. And certainly to the one who thinks he will just sin and repent, sin and repent – God will not give him the opportunity. Of course if he still puts in the effort, he will nevertheless be able to atone for his sin. This is because nothing stands in the way of Teshuvah no matter what the sin is.
Whatever the case, we should be able to recognise that it is so much easier to refrain from committing a sin than having to die for preventing ourselves from committing a sin such as idolatry. Therefore we should be prepared to hold ourselves back from doing what is wrong. On the opposite side, we should delight in desiring to cleave to God – because after all, it is very close to us, in our mouths (in studying Torah), in our hearts (through prayer) to do it (fulfill the Mitzvot in action – such as by giving charity.)
