In Parashat Shoftim, the Torah gives a simple yet powerful mitzvat aseh: “tamim (wholehearted) tihyeh im HaShem Elokecha” – “You shall be wholehearted with HaShem your G-d”.
This pasuk, though only five words long, is one of the most personal pesukim in the Torah. It doesn’t speak of laws, rituals, or sacrifices. It speaks of the heart.
Rashi explains that this pasuk is about not trying to predict the future or chase after answers through kishuf (sorcery). Instead, we are to walk simply and faithfully with HaShem. But what does it mean to be tamim (wholehearted)?
The Arizal teaches that temimut (wholeheartedness) is the foundation of real Avodat HaShem (service to HaShem). Not just doing mitzvot externally - but being genuine inside. A person can keep Shabbat and Kashrut perfectly, but if the heart is divided, if part of us is still seeking approval from others, chasing kavod (honour), or living in fear, we are not yet tamim (wholehearted).
The ideal Jew isn’t necessarily the loudest or the most scholarly. It’s the one who lives with emunah peshutah (simple faith), who treats others with dignity, who does not pretend to be more than they are. That is tamim (wholehearted).
And that’s what this pasuk is asking from us. Not perfection, but honesty. Not brilliance, but consistency. Not worry, but trust in HaShem. As the Yamim Noraim approach we should strive to be tamim (wholehearted) and be able to turn to HaShem with a full heart and grow closer to HaShem.
Shabbat Shalom!
