The Torah tells us in a number of places that we should walk in the ways of HaShem. The Rabbis explain that this means that a person should strive to emulate the character traits of HaShem. It is important to note that in truth, HaShem does not possess ‘traits’ in the way that human beings do. Since HaShem is Infinite, His essence is beyond our comprehension. When we refer to His traits we really are referring to the ways that He expresses himself in this world.

The Rabbis focus on traits that are connected to interpersonal relationships, such as kindness and mercy. Moreover, there are numerous stories in the Torah where HaShem acted in a way that expressed a certain form of kindness. We know that all the stories in the Torah are not merely historical narrative, rather they teach us vital lessons about how we should conduct ourselves. Accordingly, when the Torah tells us that HaShem visited the sick, as He did in the beginning of Parshas Vayeira when He visits Avraham after his circumcision, then that emans that we should emulate G-d by also visiting the sick.

In coming weeks we will discuss various aspects of this command emulate HaShem.

Text Copyright © 2009 by Rabbi Yehonasan Gefen and Torah.org Visit Rabbi Gefen’s new blog at rabbiygefen.blogspot.com. Rabbi Gefen’s new book, The Guiding Light, is now available! To order, please contact Rabbi Gefen at [email protected] or 00972 52 761 9935.