The Torah tells us not to add to or subtract from the Torah. We are to take the Torah as G-d gave it, not less and not more. If G-d told us to hang four fringes on a four-cornered garment, we hang four, not five, and not three. If someone asks whether you are observant, the proper answer is yes. The improper answer is “more or less.” Don’t be more or less observant. Be observant.

On Yom Kippur following 9/11, I spoke about this idea. Ten is a complete number. Add to it or subtract from it, and it is no longer complete. The Torah, too, is perfect. When we add to it or subtract from it, we no longer have the Torah that G-d gave us. We end up with something else. When people substitute their own vision for G-d’s will, religion can become a tool for evil. We saw a horrific example of that on 9/11.

It is easy to understand why removing parts of G-d’s law is dangerous. But why is it wrong to add to it?

The answer is that the moment you add to G-d’s law, it is no longer G-d’s; it becomes yours. You are not connecting to G-d; only to yourself. Also, once you begin walking your own path, even with the best intentions, you eventually end up where you want to go rather than where G-d wants you to go. The initial deviation may be imperceptible, but over time it can become enormous. The path to perfection is unwavering devotion to G-d’s Torah. Don’t subtract, and don’t add. Because, in this case, more is less.

Touching the Tree Here is a good example: G-d told Adam and Eve not to eat from the forbidden tree. When the serpent enticed Eve, she intensified the prohibition. “G-d said I........

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