Making sense of the sedra: Bamidbar

“She was on fire!”

What does that make you feel about her? Is this a positive or negative statement? It could mean she was really enthusiastic, or it could mean that she was yelling at everyone that day.

Rabbi Sacks z”l explained that many years ago, the word ‘enthusiastic’ was actually considered a derogatory term. “Originally it referred to someone possessed by a spirit or demon…. It became a synonym for religious extremism, zealotry and fanaticism. It was looked on as irrational, volatile and dangerous.”

The truth is that one can use enthusiasm in a healthy way to inspire and educate others. An enthusiastic personality can often achieve great things that others may think of, but not act upon, because of their apathy or laziness. Conversely, strong emotions can lead a person to do the wrong thing, because his brain is lit up but not thought through.

That’s why we need the Torah. We need clear guidelines and boundaries to help us channel our positive energy into the right actions. Righteous indignation can lead to worse sins than the original mistake, and when we feel we are right – and fighting for the principle – even a Mitzvah could become an Aveira (wrong deed).

In this week’s parsha, Bamidbar, we are reminded of what Nadav and Avihu did, when they brought a strange fire in the Tabernacle. Their intentions were great; they were inspired by the moment, but their actions were wrong. They felt a strong love for Hashem and wanted to offer their own gift – but this was not the time or the place.

Even when we feel something strongly, the rules and laws that Hashem gave us are there to keep us, and the people around us, safe and secure. They protect our souls from veering down a dangerous route, whilst waving a banner of ‘truth’ in our arms.

I sometimes think about this when I see the throngs of people marching in support of the Palestinian people. I, too, am pained by the loss of any innocent lives, but these people, who care deeply, are misdirecting their passion towards supporting the very people (Hamas) who cause the Palestinians the most harm. Working with Israel, rather than against it would truly help any innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

On another note, when we hurt loved ones with strong and forceful words (“You can’t speak like that!”) because we are trying to teach them the correct way, then our ‘fire’ may burn rather than warm up.

It is interesting to note that the Torah itself was actually given in fire: “From His right hand, a fiery law for them.” (Devarim 33:2) The soul is compared to a candle – and we all have a pure flame inside us. As we prepare for Shavuot, when we receive these precious and powerful words, let us ask Hashem to help us direct our fire and passion towards truly helping each other and building a just and kind society.

Shuli Liss is Rebbetzen at Highgate Synagogue