Q&A: Between "Be Holy" and "Do What Is Right and Good"
Between "Be Holy" and "Do What Is Right and Good"
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Regarding Nachmanides' comments on “Do what is right and good” and “Be holy” —
does he mean that beyond observing the laws, we must also be moral, and not think that it is enough just to keep the laws, but make sure that beyond that we are not degenerates…?
Or perhaps he means that beyond the norms, we must grasp the “spirit of Jewish law,” deepen our understanding of its intent, and fill in the “gaps” that are created… According to this, the purpose of commandments between a person and his fellow would be that we become good and upright, and commandments between a person and God that we become restrained and holy.
Answer
“Be holy” is the second, and “Do what is right and good” is the first.
Similar to these two kinds of reasoning, see the distinction in my article here.