בס”ד

Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy this!

Some Thoughts from the Parsha

The Wisdom of Restraint

“And the woman said to the serpent: ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, G-d has said: You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” (Bereishis 3:2–3)

At the dawn of human history, one of the first moral lessons ever taught was about limits. G-d’s single command to Adam and Eve—“You shall not eat”—was clear and simple. Yet Eve, with the best of intentions, expanded the command: “Neither shall you touch it.” In doing so, she introduced something new into the human story: the danger of adding where G-d has not asked us to add. The Midrash teaches that the serpent used this extra rule to deceive her. By pushing her against the tree and showing her that touching it did not cause death, he planted doubt about the rest of G-d’s command. The first sin, then, began not with rebellion—but with overreach.

Serving G-d Within Our Covenant

For Noahides, this story holds deep meaning. It reminds us that the essence of faith is not found in multiplying commandments, but in faithfully keeping the ones G-d has truly given. The Seven Noahide Laws form a complete covenant, simple in number yet infinite in depth.

The Rambam cautions that adding religious practices not commanded by G-d—however noble they seem—constitutes mechadesh dat, inventing a new religion (Hilchot Melachim 10:9). True holiness, therefore, lies in precision, not in excess. Each of the Seven Laws—justice, faith in G-d, the sanctity of life and family, honesty, respect for creation, and moral restraint—opens vast spiritual worlds when observed with integrity.

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov once said that serving G-d with simplicity is the highest wisdom. When we complicate the divine path with self-imposed burdens, we risk losing the joy and clarity that make faith alive.

The Beauty of Simplicity

There is a quiet power in restraint. In not taking on what isn’t ours to carry, we make room for devotion that is genuine and sustainable. Just as the earth flourishes when left to rest during shemittah, the soul flourishes when it rests in the boundaries G-d has wisely given.

The Noahide covenant invites each person to bring holiness into ordinary life—through honesty in business, kindness in relationships, and gratitude for creation. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing right.

As the prophet Micha teaches:

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the L-RD requires of you: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your G-d.”
(Micah 6:8)

Humility is not weakness. It is the discipline to walk faithfully without claiming authority that belongs only to G-d.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

  1. Why do you think human beings are tempted to add to G-d’s commandments?
  2. How can simplicity in spiritual practice deepen your connection with G-d?
  3. Which of the Seven Laws feels most personally meaningful to you right now?
  4. How can restraint—not doing something—become a form of serving G-d?
  5. In what ways can you bring holiness into ordinary moments this week?

May we all learn to walk humbly and joyfully in the covenant given to us, serving G-d with simplicity, truth, and gratitude.

Shabbat Shalom!

PDF

By Rabbi Tani Burton

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI TANI BURTON ABOUT DE PARSHAT QUESTIONS

© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.

Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.