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.
It is easy to believe that we uniquely have a special dispensation to behave badly. We justify it, convincing ourselves that we experience challenges no one else does. This is most dangerous when we convince ourselves that this is justified by a righteous cause. Whether that is cutting a line when we are in a rush to pick up the kids, overburdening underpaid employees in pursuit of charitable results, or neglecting family obligations for idealistic causes.
We must remember to follow the “paved road” in life and especially when pursuing mitzvot. There is no excuse for behaving badly. As the Midrash writes: Derech eretz kadma l’Torah, “Proper behaviour comes before Torah”.
The Talmud goes out of its way to teach us a lesson, woven into Moses’s instructions to the Jewish people. By walking the designated path with dignity, we can fulfil our spiritual aspirations while maintaining respect for others and the world around us.
