44) YOU DECIDE!

The Torah says; “This is the law (Torah) of the elevation-offering and the meal offering - the sin-offering and the guilt-offering.”[1]

The Kotzker Rebbe interprets this verse as follows; “An individual can find within the Torah (whatever he or she wishes to find) - either (something positive like) an ‘elevation’ or (something negative like) ‘sin or guilt.'”.[2]

The Torah is not an automatic antidote to all the evils and discomfort of the world. Nor is it a short cut to becoming a holy person. In fact, while it can make a good person better, it can also make a bad person worse. 

As the sages say; - To one person the Torah can be uplifting and healing, while to another it can be as damaging as poison.

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[1] Vayikra 7:37

[2] Amud HaEmet p. 69, par 3

42) Don't Make G-d your Idol:

The Torah says; “A molten god do not make for yourself”.[1]

This statement is generally understood as an injunction against worshiping an idolatrous image. 

But the Kotzker interprets 'god' to mean 'G-d ' (the Hebrew ‘Elokei’ can mean both).

He says; “Do not turn G-d into a god that you fashioned for yourself”.[2]

Religion can become self serving when G-d is made to fit our perceptions and expectations, instead of the other way around.

At that point it becomes no better than man made idolatry.

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[1] Shemot 34:17

[2] Amud HaEmet p 64, par. 4