Why must a Jew die to sanctify the name of Hashem under certain conditions? Hashem gave us the gift of life, are we thus obligated o give it back?
The fact is, a Jew has different type of relationship with Borei Olam. It is not a natural relationship of common interests, shared objectives, etc…. Rather, it is a relationship of pure love!
If we truly love someone, we seek to give to them even when we are not obligated to do so. This is why a Jew is ready to die for Hashem. Technically, no person is obligated to give back the gift of life. However, in certain circumstances the Halcha obligates a person to do so…this is because a Jew has a relationship of love with Hashem.
This is what happened when Hashem came to Moshe Rabbeinu to take back his Neshama. The Neshama of Moshe Rabbeinu initially protested and said, “I am willing to do anything you ask, but you are the Hashem who placed me into the holy and sublime body of Moshe Rabbeinu..I do not wish to leave, nor am I obligated to do so”!!
To this Hashem reacted and replied with promises of heavenly glory and elevation..and he ultimately took back Moshe Rabbeinus exalted soul with a Godly kiss on the lips! Hashem was saying in a manner of speaking, yes – you are not obligated to go out. However, ours is a relationship of pure love and I therefore ask that you surrender yourself back to me out of pure love! Upon hearing this, Moshe Rabbeinu gave Hashem his life back as a token of pure love and Hashem responded in kind by giving him a mutual kiss on the lips, where the giver and the receiver shared in the power of an equal embrace.!!
…at this point, Moshe Rabbeinu knew that giving up his life was indeed worthwhile…
<Heard from Harav Shimshon Pincus Zatzal>
