Page 400 - VAIKRA
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vaikra
Why did Hashem warn the Chosen Nation not to follow the customs of # 26347-EYAL-6
the Egyptians and the Canaanim? Certainly Bnei Yisrael would attempt to
guard themselves from behaving like these depraved nations.
It is the nature of man to be drawn after that which his eyes behold. Even
though he may not wish to sin, he is pulled after his heart’s desires,
without consciously wanting to do so. Therefore, a person should guard
his eyes in order not to be drawn to harmful sights, which may lead him
to behave in a forbidden manner.
While Bnei Yisrael were enslaved in Egypt, they were exposed to the
depravity of the Egyptians. Therefore, a faint impression of their
immorality remained with them. This is why they had a greater obligation
to guard themselves from imitating their immoral conduct.
A positive impression can be effective to the same degree. Therefore, a
person should place himself in good company and expose himself only to
positive influences.
