In Parashat Re’eh, Moses instructs the Israelites that, on entering the Land of Israel, they must hold a special ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval. These mountains symbolise the blessings and curses that will befall them depending on their adherence to the Torah’s teachings. Moses mentions that these mountains are situated beyond derech mevo hashemes” or “the western route” (Deuteronomy 11:30).
The Gemara interprets the word derech as a reference to the specific path the Israelites were to take on their way to Gerizim and Eval (Masechet Sota 33b). The Gemara explains that they were to stay on the road and avoid walking through fields and vineyards, which would have ruined them.
Moses’s reminder to follow the paved road serves as a profound lesson not to compromise dignity and manners in their enthusiastic pursuit of spiritual goals.
On entering the Promised Land, the Jewish people were eager to fulfil God’s very first commandment to them. However, their enthusiasm might have led them to take shortcuts, trampling agricultural lands and causing damage. Moses’s instruction emphasises that religious fervour does not excuse reckless or inconsiderate behaviour.
