|
| The intent of mitzvot is to draw down [G-d's] infinite light into both the body and the animal soul and into the material substance with which the mitzvah is performed. According to Rashi, Nazir 29b, and the mishnah (conclusion of ch. 5 of Avos), a youth's obligation in the observance of mitzvot is at age 13, which is derived from Bereishis 34, where at the age of 13, Shimon and Levi slew the inhabitants of Shechem after the abduction of Dinah. Since the G-dly soul does not fully enter the body until the age of 13, it is important to understand that only at this point in their young lives had Shimon and Levi the ability and the "required judgement" in order to assess the crime according to Noachide laws, and follow through with the death sentence. Accordingly, under the 5th Noachide law for non-Jews, kidnapping is classified as theft and theft brings the death penalty under the same laws. |