Author Archives: Rabbi David Movsas  About Rabbi David Movsas
David Movsas is rabbi of Congregation Shaare Tzedek of West New
York, New Jersey.  Beyond The Letter Of The Law  The following
article is reprinted with permission from the Orthodox Union.
Va’et’hanan confronts us with an apparent redundancy. Several
admonitions throughout the parashah command us to observe the
laws taught by Moshe [Moses]. Then, toward the end of the
parsha, we are told, "And you shall do that which is right and
good in the eyes of God."  What new instructions does this verse
add? Surely, doing what is "right and good" is already a part of
the numerous injunctions already presented. If one observes all
the commandments and prohibitions set forth in the Torah, does
he not accomplish what is "right and good in the eyes of God?"
What new obligation does this verse apply?  Both Rashi and the
Ramban understand this verse to denote a level of behavior that
is lifnim mishuras hadin, above the letter of the law. To
appreciate the full s