Bs”d
Parshas Bechukosai (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
26:3 Im b’chukosai taylaychu–shetiyiyu amailim batorah. Klal Yisroel is back to its roots. The only fulfillment of Judaism is the consistent fulfillment of the Torah. It is therefore the words are so relevant- shetihiyu amailim baTorah…coming back to the roots of the real kiyum haTorah is amailus baTorah, intensive, devoted, committed limud haTorah.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and good Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Bechukosai (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
How can we understand that in the beginning of our parsha (26:1) we find the great reward for being engrossed in intensive studying of Torah; amailus, which is incumbent on Klal Yisroel at every level. One that defaults and neglects to fulfill his obligation just forfeits his awesome reward. Later in pasuk 14 we find that this neglect leads to a downfall and spiritual avalanche ending in a terrible punishment.
Rashi, we can say, is sensitive to this difficulty by explaining that the lack of Torah study in pasuk 14 is accompanied by an open rebellion against Hashem.
The lowest level of the “fall” is denial of the truth of the Torah and eventually not even recognizing the existence of Hashem chas v’shalom. What is mind-boggling is that all through his spiritual downfall which includes preventing others from doing mitzvos and hatred for chachamim, he still maintains his belief of Hashem and the Torah until the last step, when this also goes.
How shocking that one can be committed to our basic beliefs and yet can fall so low. How absolutely vital it is for us to cry out to Hashem for Divine assistance for success in understanding and fulfilling our true purpose.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Bechukosai (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi in the beginning of the parsha explaining the words “Im Bechukosai” quotes the Torah’s expectations of us for intensive, devoted toil in Torah study. What is shocking is that this requirement the Torah puts on all of Klal Yisroel contrary to the common error that this type of learning is incumbent solely upon elite Torah scholars. This intensive Torah study is part of the minimum Torah observance which pertains to all, like Shabbos observance and Tefilin. This is such a serious and significant commandment that the consequence of not fulfilling it as Rashi quotes brings a frightening list of consequences including bringing one to a state where he prevents others from fulfilling the Torah and actually having a dislike for Talmidei Chachamim and eventually leading to much worse.
The fulfillment brings awesome brachos for the person himself and all Klal Yisroel.
R’ Shimon Bar Yochai’s unique insight in his deep comprehension of the ways and attributes of Hashem we can say was a result of his awesome will to come close to and understand Hashem; which is something we can all strive for. R’ Shimon, your great Yahrzeit day should bring blessings to all Klal Yisroel and the gilui of the great light of Moshiach.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Bechukosai (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi explains at the beginning of our parsha what is required of us for which the reward and punishment is laid out. It is an absolute commitment to extreme toiling in studying and understanding our Torah. This is expected of all Clal Yisrael from the greatest scholars to the simplist among us. How much effort much be invested for this to be implanted in us in order to realized in a practical actuality. Indeed this was the mentality and our way of life throughout the generations.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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