3 Shvat: Religion and People
RELIGION AND PEOPLE
The world was created for the sake of the Torah and for the sake of the Jewish People. (Rashi, Bereishis 1:1)
I would not know which comes first, but since the Torah says, “Command the Jewish People, ”I know that the Jewish People come first.. The mitzvos where only given to refine the creations. (Midrash Rabbah Ch. 1 and 44)
In exile, religion takes the dominant role over people. After all, people are expected to submit to the will of G-d and serve Him by fulfilling His commands. In this way, exile is similar to the process of educating a child. At first, the child does not appreciate rules and limitations. When the child matures, however, he comes to appreciate these guidelines. He understands that the rules helped him to tame his nature and cultivate his potential. Ultimately, they enabled him to flourish.
Similarly, when Moshiach is revealed, we will understand how the laws of the Torah helped prepare us for the World To Come. At that point, we will no longer perform mitzvos because we were commanded, but because we want to deepen our relationship with Hashem.
Rambam Hilchos Me’ila (end)
