Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 12:8 mean when it says 'every man whatever is right in his own eyes'?
A: This verse warns against following personal opinions in matters of Torah and mitzvot. Rashi explains that during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness, they were not fully observing the commandments properly. Now that they were entering the Land of Israel, they were commanded to follow the Torah's laws as interpreted by the Sages, not by individual judgment.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 12:8 important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the principle that Jewish practice must follow the Torah's commandments and rabbinic tradition, not personal feelings or interpretations. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 1:1-2) derives from this that we must follow the rulings of the Sanhedrin and Torah sages in each generation.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 12:8 apply to Jewish life today?
A: This teaches that we must follow halacha (Jewish law) as transmitted through the chain of tradition from Sinai to today's rabbinic authorities. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 88b) explains this prevents each person creating their own version of Judaism based on personal views.
Q: What's the connection between Deuteronomy 12:8 and the giving of the Torah at Sinai?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this verse to the revelation at Sinai, where the Jewish people accepted to follow G-d's commandments. This verse reminds us that our religious practice must be based on that divine revelation, not on personal preferences that change with time.
Q: Does Deuteronomy 12:8 mean we can't think for ourselves in Judaism?
A: Not at all. The verse prohibits acting solely based on personal judgment in religious matters, but Jewish tradition values deep Torah study and understanding. As the Talmud (Berachot 63b) teaches, proper Torah study leads to proper observance. We're encouraged to study and understand, but ultimately follow halachic authorities.
Context and Source of the Verse
The verse (Devarim 12:8) appears in Parashat Re'eh, where Moshe Rabbeinu instructs Bnei Yisrael regarding proper worship and the prohibition of idolatry. The phrase "לֹא תַעֲשׂוּן כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר אֲנַחְנוּ עֹשִׂים פֹּה הַיּוֹם" ("You shall not do after all the things that we do here this day") refers to the period before the establishment of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), when sacrifices were offered in various locations rather than a centralized place of worship.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Devarim 12:8) explains that this verse refers to the era in the wilderness when Bnei Yisrael offered sacrifices on private altars (bamot), as there was no fixed Mishkan at the time. Once they entered Eretz Yisrael and the Mishkan was established in Shiloh, private altars became forbidden. Rashi emphasizes that this verse warns against continuing such practices once a centralized place of worship is designated.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:2-3) elaborates that the prohibition against private altars is rooted in the Torah's command to centralize sacrificial worship in the place Hashem chooses (i.e., the Beit HaMikdash). The phrase "אִישׁ כָּל־הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינָיו" ("every man whatever is right in his own eyes") underscores the danger of subjective religious practices, as it leads to fragmentation and deviation from Halacha.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash Tanchuma (Re'eh 5) connects this verse to the importance of unity in avodat Hashem (divine service). It teaches that allowing individuals to follow personal interpretations of worship—rather than adhering to a unified system—weakens the spiritual foundation of Klal Yisrael. The Midrash warns that such behavior resembles the era of the Shoftim (Judges), where "אִישׁ הַיָּשָׁר בְּעֵינָיו יַעֲשֶׂה" (Shoftim 17:6) led to moral and religious decline.
Halachic Implications