Parshat Bechukosai 5779
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in the beginning of this week's parsha, Im Behcukosai Teleichu V'es Mitzvosai Tishmaru. Rashi comments that the words Im Behcukosai Teleichu would seem to imply we must keep the mitzvos, but that can't be since the following words V'es Mitzvosai Tishmaru make that point explicitly. Rather, Rashi teaches, the Torah is teaching us that we must be Ameilim Ba'Torah, toil in Torah.
The Sfas Emes comments on the fact that the Torah uses the word Teleichu, you shall walk. He explains that the Torah uses this term in order to emphasize that one needs to be involved in a growth process. And just as one physically grows and gets stronger during his formative years, a spiritual growth process needs to accompany a person throughout his lifetime as well.
The Torah teaches us Behcukosai Teleichu; this growth process is meant to be accomplished through Chukim. Typically, we understand a Chok as a mitzvah whose reason is not understood. If so, why is it specifically through Chukim that the spiritual growth takes place?
The Sfas Emes explains that the word Behcukosai is meant to be understood according to its literal meaning. The word Chok comes from the word Chakuk or engraved. The mitzvos and the toiling in Torah are meant to make an impression on a person. The parchment for Torah Shebe'alpeh is one's heart, as Shlomo Hamelech states in Mishlei (Chapter 7, Pasuk 3), Kasvem al Luach Libecha. Torah and Mitzvos need to become part of a person's soul and engraved in his heart. This is the growth process we are commanded with the words Behcukosai Teleichu; the growth takes place when one's learning and mitzvos become part of him.
Rav Tzadok teaches that the word Behcukosai is a reference to Shabbos, which is mentioned in the previous pasuk at the end of last week's parsha, Es Mitzvosai Tishmoru U'Mikdashi Tira'u Ani Hashem. And why is Shabbos considered a Chok?
The pasuk in parshat Beshalach says (Chapter 15, Pasuk 25) Sham Sam Lo Chok U'Mishpat, He gave them there (in Marah) Chok and Mishpat. The Mechilta teaches that Chok is a reference to Shabbos and Mishpat is a reference to Kibbud Av V'Eim. Since a Mishpat is a logical mitzvah, honoring one's parent certainly falls into the category of Mishpat. But why is Shabbos a Chok?
Rav Tzadok also explains the word Chok from its basic meaning of being engraved. The Medrash Rabbah (35, 4) on our parsha states Im Behcukosai Teleichu, Chukim She'Chakakti Bahem Shamayim V'Aretz, follow the laws through which I engraved and created heaven and earth. The notion of Shabbos is a fundamental feature and characteristic of the way the world operates. Hashem created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Shabbos is a Chok; a fundamental mitzvah which is the basis of creation.
The Medrash Rabbah (35, 3) adds that human kings make a decree and his subjects must follow them. But with Hashem, He keeps the decree first. The Chok of Shabbos that we keep is because (Shemos, Chapter 20, Pasuk 11), Ki Sheshes Yamim Asa Hashem es Ha'Shamayim V'es Ha'Aretz, es Hayam V'es Kol Asher Bam, Vayanach Bayom Ha'Shvi'i. Gd created the world in six days and rested and kept Shabbos, so too we must keep Shabbos. This is the p'shat in Im Behcukosai Teleichu; these are my statutes as I kept them first. We are obligated to keep Hashem with us at all times by emulating Him; He kept Shabbos, so we keep Shabbos. The spiritual growth of Im Behcukosai Teleichu is accomplished by keeping Hashem and His way with us at all times.
The Sfas Emes adds that the reward follows a similar pattern. The Torah continues and states that one of the rewards for going with Hashem is (Chapter 26, Pasuk 12) V'Hishalachti Be'Sochechem, And I will walk in your midst. He teaches that this is Midah K'Neged Midah; measure for measure. Im Behcukosai Teleichu, You walk in my ways, and fulfill the words of Chazal in Avos (2, 4), Ase Retzono Ki'Retzonecha, make His will fit into your will. And the reward will be, Kedai She'Ya'aseh Retzoncha Ki'Retzono, He will fit His will into yours. This is the quid pro quo of Im Behcukosai Teleichu; you make spiritual growth the essence of your life and Hashem will fulfill V'Hishalachti Be'Sochechem. He will make your concern's and desires essential for Him.
Good Shabbos
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