Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God' mean in Deuteronomy 18:13?
A: The verse teaches that a Jew should serve Hashem with complete faith and sincerity, without turning to superstitions, omens, or other forbidden practices mentioned earlier in the chapter. Rashi explains that 'perfect' (תָּמִים) means wholehearted trust in Hashem, without seeking guidance from sorcery or divination.
Q: Why is being 'perfect with Hashem' important according to Jewish tradition?
A: This commandment emphasizes pure faith in Hashem alone, which is a foundation of Judaism. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 11:16) teaches that relying on anything other than Hashem—such as magic or fortune-telling—undermines our relationship with Him. True perfection means trusting only in Divine providence.
Q: How can we apply 'be perfect with Hashem' in daily life?
A: The Sforno explains that this means directing all our actions toward serving Hashem with integrity. Practically, this includes avoiding superstitious beliefs, praying with sincerity, and recognizing that everything comes from Hashem. For example, instead of worrying about 'bad luck,' we should strengthen our trust in Hashem's plan.
Q: Does 'be perfect' mean we must never make mistakes?
A: No—the Talmud (Berachos 34b) teaches that even complete tzaddikim (righteous people) struggle. 'Perfect' here refers to intent, not flawlessness. The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) emphasizes that Hashem desires our sincere effort. Teshuva (repentance) allows us to return to wholeness after mistakes.
Q: What’s the connection between this verse and the surrounding verses about sorcery?
A: The previous verses (Devarim 18:10-12) forbid witchcraft and divination. Our verse concludes that true perfection is achieved by rejecting these false practices and cleaving only to Hashem. Ibn Ezra notes that those who seek supernatural signs lack perfect faith—real trust means relying on Hashem without 'shortcuts.'
Understanding "Tamim Tihyeh" (תָּמִים תִּהְיֶה)
The verse "תָּמִים תִּהְיֶה עִם יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ" (Devarim 18:13) commands us to be tamim—wholehearted or perfect—in our relationship with Hashem. Rashi explains that this means one should not seek out diviners (me'onenim) or soothsayers, but rather place complete trust in Hashem alone. The term tamim implies sincerity and undivided devotion, avoiding any reliance on occult practices or intermediaries.
Rambam's Perspective on Trust in Hashem
Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:16) expands on this idea, teaching that seeking omens or divination demonstrates a lack of faith in Divine Providence. True temimut (wholeness) means accepting that all outcomes are from Hashem and not attempting to circumvent His will through supernatural means. This aligns with the principle of bitachon (trust in Hashem), a cornerstone of Jewish belief.
Midrashic and Kabbalistic Insights
Practical Application in Avodat Hashem
The Mesillat Yesharim (Ch. 19) emphasizes that temimut requires consistency in mitzvah observance, free from ulterior motives. A tamim individual serves Hashem with pure intent, as King David expressed: "שְׁלַח אוֹרְךָ וַאֲמִתְּךָ—הֵמָּה יַנְחוּנִי" (Tehillim 43:3)—"Send Your light and truth; they will guide me."