Shelach- the Prohibition against Blasphemy
In our Torah portion, we find the prohibition of Blasphemy (Numbers 15:30-31). Blasphemy is explicitly listed as one of the Seven Noahide Laws. It refers to the act of willfully disrespecting or showing contempt towards the divine name. It involves treating G-d's name or attributes with irreverence or using them in a disrespectful manner. An act of defiant or intentional rebellion against G-d as blasphemy is considered a serious offense.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe) and his successors teach that Divine providence, known as Hashgacha Pratit in Hebrew, is a central term. G-d's providential care extends to both the spiritual and material realms. This emphasizes that nothing occurs in the world without G-d's knowledge and involvement.
Divine providence is a manifestation of G-d's infinite wisdom and care for His creatures. G-d is present at all times and in all circumstances, directing events and orchestrating them in accordance with a greater plan and purpose. This is why the prohibition of blasphemy is taken very seriously. Acknowledging divine providence is an essential aspect of living a deeply meaningful and purposeful life. Transgressing this prohibition actually cancels the path of faith and trust in G-d.
In the Messianic era, every individual will have a heightened awareness of divine providence. People will perceive and understand the deeper purpose and significance behind all events and circumstances, recognizing God's hand in every aspect of their lives. The barriers between the physical and spiritual realms will be dissolved, allowing for direct experience of G-d's presence. The Divine wisdom will be revealed by Moshiach, and lead to a world of peace and divine consciousness.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfill Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans".
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