Behar: Scared Straight?

We don't generally like fear. I mean, some people love haunted houses and horror movies, but generally speaking, we don't like to feel ACTUAL fear in our lives.

I would also venture to say that this is especially true when it comes to our relationship with God. Many people feel conflicted about God - if they even believe there IS a God. If they DO have a relationship with a Deity, they prefer emotions like joyful, loving, and compassionate to describe how that connection is expressed. But fear? You can see this discomfort in English translations of the Bible, where synonyms like "venerate" and "revere" replace "fear," and we speak about being "awed" by God. But let's address the uncomfortable question: Does the Bible want us to fear God?

This week, our Torah portion doesn't just use the word "fear," it employs it as a poignant juxtaposition, and one that is perhaps a little surprising. The text is talking about relationships between people in a

shared society, and how important it is to show compassion and kindness. The Torah instructs us as follows: "If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, let him live by your side: do not exact from him advance or accrued interest, but fear your God." (Leviticus, 25:35-36) The parallel that is being drawn here is, "Don't do bad things - fear Adonai." It is, perhaps, a strange euphemism for kindness. Why doesn't the Torah just instruct us to be compassionate with one another? We would listen, don't you think?

Well... I guess I'm not so sure. It's a hard truth to swallow, but human beings don't always do the right thing on their own. The Torah very often deals in the real, not the ideal. The authors of the Torah see wealthy people and poor people, and they understand that you really DO need to compel the wealthier citizens to treat the less-fortunate with kindness, because it isn't

self-evident. Just a few verses after the section I quoted above, the Torah again paints a scenario in which someone must sell himself into slavery. And once again, the Torah demands: "You shall not rule over him ruthlessly; you shall fear your God!" (25:43) Asking/requiring people to be good and kind, just 'cause, simply isn't enough. The Torah gets it; people need REAL incentive, and they need to know that someone - or really Someone - is watching. There are repercussions and consequences for all our actions, whether in this world or the next. And then, the Torah has to sit back and hope that we are listening. Ultimately, it cannot force our hand. Fear is basically the last line of defense.

Nevertheless, I still think this makes us uncomfortable. We don't like to bring fear into our relationships with God. It creates distance rather than closeness. And we don't entirely need to resolve this tension; it's ok to say we DON'T like this aspect of Biblical theology. But perhaps we can also challenge ourselves to understand it a little bit better. The Torah DESPERATELY wants us to be good to one another, to be more

generous, loving, unconditional, and kindhearted. Step around the word "fear" for a second and recognize that a major, central, pervasive theme in the Torah is loving-kindness, and we can all do more to bring that value into our lives. The Torah doesn't entirely trust us to be good, that is true. So what? Let's not prove the Torah right, by ignoring its teachings. Let's prove it wrong, by showing that we CAN be more compassionate and loving. And believe me, the authors of the Torah would be THRILLED to admit they had underestimated us! Fear CAN be a motivator, but if that doesn't work for you, fine. Find another reason that compels you. But we still need to hear what the Torah is saying, and accept the task of making this world better, because it IS our responsibility. In the end, I don't think the Torah really wants our fear. It just wants our kindness, and it'll take it any way it can get it.

Photos in this blogpost:
1. CC image courtesy of Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons
2. CC image courtesy of Ras67 on Wikimedia Commons
3. CC image courtesy of Liftarn on Wikimedia Commons
4. CC image courtesy of US National Archives bot on Wikimedia Commons