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This week is a double header, as we read both the Torah portions called "בהר" ("The Mountain") and "בחוקותי" ("The Laws"). These two titles seem to have opposite meanings. "Be a mountain" simply means to be proud and strong, while "בחוקותי" means to follow instructions. "בחוקותי" refers to the mitzvahs that are completely above logic; in the words of the Talmud, G-d says "I have made a law and you shall not question it." So, is this week about strength or obedience? The simple meaning of how these two variant messages coexist depends on whether the discussion is about the world or about the Torah. 

To the world, "Be a mountain" and be proud to be an ambassador of G-d. Don't be ashamed of embarrassment. Pay no attention to what they say. Towards the Torah's laws, put your mind aside. Don't question the words of G-d.

 There's a deeper understanding of these two messages and how they interplay and complement each other. "Be a mountain-like law and be a law-like mountain."

There are voices out there, and within, that say, "Hey, I was given a mind for reason, I want to understand it all first." Be flexible. Let children grow up and decide what path they will choose. And yet, for dental hygiene, we aren't so flexible. 

The mountain law response, "Be a law like a mountain," is:

Be patriotic to your faith. You don't need to question what you know in your heart and stand proud and teach your children to do the same. 

On the other hand, "be a mountain like a law." When the voice within you says you can't be so sure of your mission because, although G-d can do anything, you know about your mistakes and how you're unworthy of His kindness, the mountainous law response is "no!", If I woke up this morning, that means that I am precious to Him and that he's empowering me to accomplish something only I can do.

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