PARSHAT SHELACH 5785 – RESPECTING THE CREATOR

בס”ד

Parshat Shelach (Numbers 15:30-31) discusses the severe transgression of blasphemy, specifically cursing G-d’s name: “And the soul that acts with a high hand, whether he be a native or a stranger, he blasphemes the L-rd; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” Rashi explains that “with a high hand” means acting intentionally, a willful act of rebellion against G-d rooted in arrogance and defiance, rather than an accidental slip of the tongue. G-d’s “word” creates and sustains the world; to despise that word is an attempt to undermine the very foundation of existence and the source of all good.

A core belief for Noahides is that our universe is a new creation. G-d, the sole Creator, formed everything from absolute nothingness before time even began. Every part of existence, both spiritual and physical, comes solely from His true Being. G-d is the Ruler of the universe and the Master of the entire earth, controlling everything with infinite and boundless power. The blasphemer is acting from a position of ignorance and lack of awareness of this fundamental truth.

One of the Seven Noahide Commandments is the prohibition against blasphemy (cursing the Name). The fact that the Torah explicitly states the punishment applies to both “native or a stranger” in this context highlights the universal nature of this prohibition. For Noahides, acknowledging and respecting the Creator is the very foundation of all other moral and ethical behavior. If one despises the source of all morality and existence, then any other moral precept loses its ultimate grounding and can easily be discarded based on convenience or self-interest.

The Noahide prohibition against blasphemy ensures that all of humanity recognizes and honors the one true G-d. This respect for Hashem’s will is crucial for maintaining a just and orderly society, as it implies accountability and recognition of absolute truth.

Think of G-d as the perfect employer: He never withholds payment. Every good deed and positive thought, empowered by the life energy we receive from Him, brings an immense reward. Because G-d transcends all physicality, having neither body nor form, He cannot be influenced by any physical circumstances that would affect a human being. He is One, with no other entity comparable to Him. Therefore, in moments of global crisis, prayers should be addressed only to Him.

Sources: Numbers 15:30-31. Rambam Foundations of the Torah chapter 1.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

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