I f the Torah is meant to be applied to real life in a dynamic society how can that work if the Law remains eternally frozen? Shouldn’t it be able to bend with the times? And isn’t change the basic principle of human development?
In his parting speech to Bnei Yisrael on the plains of Moav Moshe Rabbeinu warned them against the philosophy that would later give rise to the Reform movement: “You shall not add to the word that I command you nor shall you detract from it to keep the commandment of Hashem” (Devarim 4:2).
Several questions arise from a quick reading of this pasuk.
In those emotionally fraught moments preceding his passing Moshe’s final address focuses largely on upholding the law in the Jewish commonwealth soon to be founded in Eretz Yisrael. Again and again he seeks to impress upon them that law justice and mitzvah are essential to their spiritual and physical survival in the land of the Patriarchs. As he continues “And now Israel hear the statutes and the judgments that I teach you to do them so that you shall live and you shall come and inherit the land” (ibid. 4:1).
