THE TORAH SPEAKS EVERY DAY

בס”ד

A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT NETZAVIM 5785

The Torah Speaks Every Day – For Jews and Non-Jews: Eternal Lessons from Sinai

Introduction

In Deuteronomy 29:28 (29:29) we read:

Netivot Shalom points out that this verse can be connected to the statement in Pirkei Avot 6:2: 

“Every day a heavenly voice is heard…” 

The connection is clear: Deuteronomy teaches that the words of the Torah are passed down from generation to generation, while Pirkei Avot tells us that the voice of Sinai resonates every day. Together, these teachings show that the Torah is always relevant, binding, and applicable—speaking to every generation, every single day.

Relevance for Non-Jews: The Timeless 7 Noahide Laws

This principle applies not only to the Jewish people but also to non-Jews. The 7 Noahide Laws are equally relevant each day. After the revelation at Sinai, these commandments became eternally binding and unchangeable. In a sense, they were sealed at Sinai.

The Rambam (Maimonides), Hilchot Melachim 8:11, writes that a non-Jew who observes the seven commandments because G-d commanded them via Moses at Sinai is counted among the chassidei umot ha’olam—the pious of the nations. If someone observes them merely because they seem logical, it does not hold the same spiritual significance. Sinai is thus the source of their eternal validity.

The Daily Heavenly Voice and Inner Conscience

The Zohar (Parshat Naso) describes a daily bat kol (heavenly voice) calling out: “Return you wayward children; I shall heal your waywardness” (Jeremiah 3:22). The Baal Shem Tov reflects on how this voice manifests in daily life. When our hearts stir unexpectedly and we feel an inner urge to improve and return to G-d, that is the effect of the bat kol. This inner movement is the echo of Sinai.

Every person has such an inner voice—what we often call our conscience. It lets us know when we have done wrong and when we need to apologize or perform teshuvah (repentance). As Deuteronomy 30:14 states:

The Sforno explains (on Deut. 30:14) that this means recognizing with your heart the nature of your sins and the One against Whom you have sinned, so that you express confession and remorse with both heart and mouth. Regret and correction begin with this inner awareness.

Understanding the Simplicity of the 7 Noahide Laws

The 7 Noahide Laws are logical and not difficult to understand or observe. If any points are unclear, rabbis who specialize in these laws can provide guidance. It is important for Noahides to study and internalize these commandments, so they come alive in the heart, allowing the conscience to guide them and facilitate teshuvah for mistakes or wrongdoing.

Practical Application: Establishing Set Times for Reflection

While our conscience often speaks spontaneously, it is valuable to establish regular moments of reflection in our lives. This can be at the end of the day, week, month, or year. During these moments, we can consciously evaluate our actions: where have we fallen short, where can we improve, and where should we offer apologies? Such reflection strengthens our inner awareness and helps us live according to the Torah and universal commandments.

Conclusion: The Torah Is Near – Daily Lessons for Every Person

The Torah is not in the heavens—it is near, in our mouth and in our heart. The voice of Sinai resonates every day, calling us to responsibility and offering the chance to return. For Jews, this applies to the entire Torah; for non-Jews, to the 7 Noahide Laws. Both are eternal, binding, and ever-relevant. By listening to our inner voice and establishing regular times for reflection, we make this heavenly message a living reality in our daily lives.

By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback

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