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Clean With Hashem

We learn of a deal that was worked out between the two and a half tribes, and Moshe Rabbeinu. They could not settle the other side of the Jordan River, before they helped conquer the Land of Israel. Ultimately, they kept their side of the deal.

It is interesting to note Moshe’s wording, when he spoke to Reuven, Gad, and half of Menashe. He said that if you fulfill your obligation, you will be, נקיים מה׳ ומישראל, “You will be clean from Hashem and Israel.”

There is a great deal implied by these words. There is a responsibility placed on every Jew, to act in a way that is “clean” in the eyes of G-d, and the rest of the Jewish people.

We must conduct our lives in an exemplary fashion, so that we bring honor to G-d and the rest of the Jewish people.

The Rambam in Hilchot Deot, gives a long description of the specifics of how we are to conduct ourselves. This applies to how we eat, sleep, do business and interact with society. The goal is to be a person that Hashem can say, “Through him, I am glorified.” We must constantly remember to be “clean” with Hashem and the rest of the Jewish people.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com