As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“On the door-posts of your house and of your gates.” (6:9)

To be always mindful that Hashem has given the house to you. The house is His property, and you are only tenants. Every room is adorned with Mezuzot to remind us of the Owner, so that we be always grateful for the privilege of using His dwelling. Similarly, when we entered the land (27:2) we were commanded to set up, at the place of entry, stones inscribed with Torah, to keep us mindful that “you come to the land which Hashem your G-d gives to you.” (27:23)

Thus whenever an Israelite enters or leaves his abode, he must utilize the Mezuzah to remember that Hashem is the Owner. And as he sits in his home, he is reminded from the Mezuzah that he is a guest of the Holy One blessed is He, and a guest behaves in the very best manner. The Mezuzah is silent, but it looks on at all that is done in the house, and it hears all that is said. Hashem certainly knows all, but the Mezuzah keeps us mindful of Hashem’s surveillance.

“In order that it be good for you and your sons after you, and in order that you have long days on the land.” (4:40)

The fulfillment of Hashem’s commandments is a source of existence. Apart from the reward that Hashem gives, the Torah-regimen is in itself conducive to the welfare of its adherents. The provisions against fraternizing with non-Israelites, the law of respecting ones fellowman’s property-rights, the requirement of self-control in diet and physical indulgence, the high regard for the dignity of Man (”the image of G-d” Bereshit (1:27), the complete rest on the Shabbat and other holy days when men have leisure for the Torah-study, the strict obedience to parents and the Torah-magistrates, and the many exhortations and admonitions to righteousness: comprise a prudent and orderly way of life that results in the maximum opportunity for achievements of body and soul.

The national benefits are also achieved by the Torah-system, and thus “you shall have long days on the land.” And all the ways of the Torah are intended for the ultimate purpose of imparting the perfection which prepares man for the Afterlife, which is the ultimate Good and the ultimate Length of Days.

Quoted from “Fortunate Nation” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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