Rambam - Sefer HaMitzvos: Negative Mitzvah 64;<br>Positive Mitzvot 8, 6, 206: Negative Mitzvah 64; Positive Mitzvot 8, 6, 206

Negative Mitzvah 64: You shall not test the promises or warnings of G-d.
Deuteronomy 6:16 "Do not test the L-rd, your G-d"

The prophets, who were messengers of HaShem, often gave promises or warnings of what would happen in the future.

Sometimes the prophets spoke of blessing and peace, sometimes they threatened the Jewish people with punishment if they did not do Teshuvah.

This prohibition warns us against trying to test to see if the promises or warnings of HaShem will come true.

Positive Mitzvah 8: Following and imitating G-d's ways
Deuteronomy 28:9 "And walk in His ways"

"What a nice boy Benny is, you should be like him!"

"You could learn a thing or two from that lovely friend of yours!"

"I wish you would act like Judy does. She's so kind and thoughtful!"

Do your parents and teachers point at well-mannered friends, suggesting that you behave like they do?

With this Positive Mitzvah, the Torah teaches us that we must learn from the beautiful, merciful and kind ways of HaShem and commands us to imitate them.

Positive Mitzvah 6: Clinging to the Sages
Deuteronomy 11:22 "And cleave to Him"

As Debby's mother came home from shopping, Debby exclaimed: "Mommy, did you buy perfume?"

"No, I didn't buy any, but I did browse in the perfume department.

How did you know?" her mother asked in surprise.

"You smell great!" Debby answered. "Even your coat has a lovely smell!"

We are commanded to spend as much time as we can among wise and righteous people. We will see their good deeds and learn from them. Being in the company of such people will influence us.

Just as perfume spreads its beautiful aroma and clings to all those that come near it, so, too, the ways of the righteous will inspire us to better ourselves and act as they do.

The higher something is, the lower it falls. So too, the loftiest revelations are to be found in the lowest places. Therefore, if you find yourself in a place seemingly devoid of anything spiritual -- don't despair. The lower you are, the higher you can reach.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com