Yes, discrimination is good.
In fact, it’s an essential part of life. You literally can’t do anything without it.
Of course, I’m not talking about discriminating against people. I’m talking about discrimination when it comes to values, ideas, life choices, and priorities.
Life itself is built on discrimination. At its core, discrimination simply means recognizing and understanding the difference between one thing and another.
This week's Torah portion instructs regarding ensuring that an accessible roof must have appropriate safety railing installed.
In addition to the actual mitzvah, the verse is reminding us of something deeper: the importance of discrimination.
There are certain values and ideals that we need to create a protective barrier around, ensuring that they remain at a distance. Other ideas we can and should allow to influence us.
Every choice in life is also saying no to other choices.
Before we can evaluate which life choices to embrace and which to discriminate against, we have to ensure we have an appreciation of what’s truly valuable in life.
Then it’s imperative to discriminate and determine, does this choice align with my values and priorities?
When the Torah instructs us regarding the fence around our roof, it’s reminding us regarding the importance of discrimination.
The railing around the roof is not just a safety measure - the Torah isn’t simply sharing building codes.
It's a reminder that we must be deliberate in how we live, discriminating wisely between what lifts us up and what could pull us down.
And for the record, not making any choice regarding how to live and just “going with the flow” is a choice too. Just not a good one.
So as we step into the second week of Elul, heading toward Rosh Hashanah, it’s time to sharpen our discrimination.
Build some fences. Tear some down. And make sure the life you’re saying yes to is actually the one you should be living.