Fear of G-d

By Michael Fuah

The German nation was the crowning glory of human culture: Equality, culture, respect for every individual and even concern for animals typified pre-World War II German society. Only one thing was missing: "Just that there is no fear of G-d in this place." (Abraham on why he feared being murdered by the Plishtim, Genesis 20:11). Soviet Russia, motivated by its ideology to perfect the world and its concern for the simple worker - produced Stalin. Both the Germans and the Russians had rectified laws, but their lack of fear of Heaven brought about the murder of millions.

Technological advances, progressive legislation, war against corruption and more cannot prevent the "State of Law" from perpetrating terrible crimes. Conscious recognition of the existence of G-d is an existential prerequisite not only on an individual level but more importantly, on a public level. This is what the Torah warns us in this week's Torah portion, Kedoshim: "And you shall keep all My statutes and all My ordinances and you shall do them and the Land will not vomit you out." (Leviticus 20: 22-23)

Shabbat Shalom