Beyond The Letter Of The Law
Doing what is "right and good" in the eyes of God means promoting the values of the Torah beyond the explicit laws.
By Rabbi David Movsas
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 spirit of the law, one needs to read between the lines of the Torah, and one who does this shows a sincere desire to observe Hashem's bidding.
The story is told of a poor man who came to the Brisker Rav on Erev Pesach (the day before Passover) with a question. Could he use milk instead of wine for the four Cups instead of wine for the four Cups at the Seder?
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