Reply To: Bain Adam L'chaveiro Vs. Bain Adam L'makom

Haleivi: I never separated the deeper ramifications of mitzvos bain adam l’chaveiro from their simple meaning, neither did I chas v’shalom refer to the mystical aspect of these mitzvos as an afterthought/sprinkled spice. I believe that since Hashem gave us the Torah with its Taryag Mitzvos, therefore when we do Hashavas Aveida [as defined by Halacha] we are accomplishing deep deep dimensions in the spiritual world which one cannot fathom. This is because by Kabalas Hatorah on Har Sinai, Hashem gave a spiritual essence/mechanism to the actions of a Jew when he practices a mitzvah [and aveira].

However, this does not negate the fact that the Torah obviously also meant the simple meaning of these mitzvos, and that is to act as a naturally kind and nice person to your fellow, which you consider Greek philosophy. We know “Ein Mikra Yotzei M’eidei Pishuto”, so peshat and soid do not contradict one another.

If the Dor Hamabul or the Dor of Sedom would have acted like Greeks preached/practiced, then Hashem would not have punished them; after all their punishment was given solely because of their mean/cruel behavior to one another (Dor Hambul was Gezel).