Parshas Bechukosai 5765

The last portion in the Book of Vayikra emphasizes the importance of keeping the Torah properly. G-d promises many physical and material rewards for the nation when they follow the commandments. The rain will be plentiful and convenient, the crops will be bountiful, and there will be peace and security throughout Israel.

However, the mitzvahs were not meant to be optional, allowing us to choose what to keep and what not to keep. In the section of the Tochacha (Reproof), the Torah graphically depicts the terrible punishments awaiting those who fail to follow the Torah and its mitzvos properly.

Seven series of punishments are described, corresponding to seven steps towards forsaking the Torah. These steps begin with not toiling in Torah study properly, which inevitably leads to not performing the mitzvos properly. If one does not know the intricacies of Halacha he cannot observe the details of each mitzvah. This leads to despising others who do keep the mitzvos, eventually denying the Divinity of Torah and even denying G-d's very existence, Heaven Forbid. Each step brings greater and more horrendous punishments, from physical illness, famine, war, and exile, to even worse sufferings.

The nature of man is that once he becomes lax in his behavior, even in something seemingly minor, he begins a downslide that is difficult to stop. For this reason, G-d sends various afflictions to arouse people to mend their ways.

Yet, the Torah promises, despite all the terrible punishments, G-d will never forget or ignore the Jewish people's plight. G-d's covenant with the forefathers will never be broken. Eventually, the people will return to their land and G-d will be appeased. This should serve as comfort to a person when he realizes that suffering does not come from G-d's indifference, but rather from a sense of love and concern for the Jewish people.

Immediately after the Tochacha, the Torah discusses the laws of Arachim, the donation of one's value to the Temple. There are set values placed on people for this purpose, depending on age and gender. The commentaries explain the juxtaposition was meant to emphasize that no matter how much a person might have sinned, each Jew has an intrinsic value, and is worthy of having that value dedicated to the Temple.

"If you will walk with My statutes..."(Lev. 26:3)

Rashi explains the passage as referring to toiling in Torah study. Rav Chaim Shmulevitz makes an interesting observation. The Talmud teaches that an angel teaches every child the entire Torah while in its mother's womb. If so, asks Reb Chaim, why don't we accord every pregnant woman the same respect due a great Torah scholar, such as standing for her when she enters the room, since she is carrying a great Torah scholar within her? He answers that the most important part of knowledge is the effort made to gain it. Torah scholarship that does not come with toil, but rather comes as a gift, is not deserving of respect.

Did You Know...

One may not take a shortcut through a synagogue to avoid walking around it, as this shows disrespect. If, however, that is the normal way of reaching the other side of the building, it is permitted. Similarly, if one sits down for a few seconds and recites a passage of Torah, he has "used" the synagogue for its proper usage, and it is no longer considered being used for a shortcut.

It is also proper when leaving the synagogue not to turn one's back to the Ark, but rather face the Ark, bow towards it, and only then exit. This is also the appropriate behavior when leaving the Western Wall in Jerusalem; to bow, and step backwards before turning around.