Q&A: The Structure of the Commandments
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
The Structure of the Commandments
Question
Hello Rabbi,
You tend to distinguish between the element of command inherent in a commandment and the element of benefit that occurs when it is fulfilled.
Do you assume or infer the existence of that benefit? And if it is an assumption, where does it come from?
Answer
From reasoning. The Holy One, blessed be He, is not just playing games. Maimonides elaborated on this at length in Part III of The Guide for the Perplexed.
Discussion on Answer
Only the first. See column 631.
Okay. My next question is: what should the motivation for observing the commandments be — the obligation to respond to the divine command regardless of the benefit it brings, or a combination of the two, or something else?