In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #6, which is to emulate Hashem's ways, or to walk in the ways of Hashem.
How do we know what the attributes of God are? There are two groups:
- The Torah explicitly states several of God's attributes:
-
"Hashem is merciful" - this is referring to Hashem giving us the opportunity to repent and improve our actions, and ultimately forgiving us
-
"Hashem is compassionate" - Similar to being merciful, Hashem often delays punishments for an extended amount of time, sometimes even years, to give us plenty opportunities to improve
- We can learn Hashem's attributes from stories in the Torah (Talmud Bavli, Sotah 14a):
- When Adam and Eve did not have clothing, Hashem provided clothing to them. Similarly, we should provide clothing, food, and money to those less fortunate
- When Avraham was recovering after his circumcision, Hashem appeared to him. Similarly, we should visit the sick.
- When Avraham passed away, Hashem appeared to Yitzchak his son, which was a form of consoling a mourner. Similarly, we should visit and console mourners.
- When Moshe passed away, Hashem buried him. Similarly, we should bury people who passed away and do not have family to bury them.