Bechukotai: Strengthening Our Connection to Torah

Good morning, everyone!

As we approach Erev Shabbat Bechukotai, we conclude Sefer Vayikra with the resounding words: “Chazak, Chazak V’Nitchazek!”. In just a few days, we will also bentch Rosh Chodesh Sivan, preparing our hearts for the receiving of the Torah. This message is dedicated to the Neshamah of Yehudah ben Rab Yitzchak.

Shemitah: Embracing Hashem’s Will Beyond Logic

Parashat Bechukotai begins with the commandment of Shemitah—the sabbatical year when the land rests, slaves are freed, and debts are forgiven. The Torah opens with the phrase:“Vayidaber Hashem el Moshe Behar Sinai” – “Hashem spoke to Moshe at Mount Sinai.”

Rashi’s Famous Question

Rashi asks: “What does Shemitah have to do with Mount Sinai?” After all, all mitzvot were given there. He explains: Just as Shemitah—with all its details—was given at Sinai, so too were all mitzvot, with full clarity and instruction.

The Midrash: Faith That Elevates

The Midrash offers deeper insight. When Bnei Yisrael declared “Na’aseh V’Nishma”—“We will do and then understand”—they rose to the level of angels. They chose faith before logic.

Shemitah exemplifies this: abandoning one's fields and livelihood for an entire year requires immense trust in Hashem. This level of bitachon (faith) is angelic.

Hashem asks, “Who revealed this secret to My children?” — the secret of letting go and fully trusting in Me.

A Test of Emunah

Letting go of control over land, income, and sustenance, and believing that Hashem will provide—even promising a threefold harvest in the sixth year—defies logic. But when we embrace His will, blessings flow.

Akedah & Kabbalat Torah: Parallel Paths

The Midrash links Shemitah to the Akedah. Avraham and Yitzchak walked in silent obedience for three days, embracing a command beyond comprehension. That same surrender of logic is present in both Har Moriah (Akedah) and Har Sinai (Torah). It’s the same commitment.

Bechukotai: Blessings, Curses, and the Power of Torah

This parasha contains both tremendous blessings for those who follow Hashem’s laws and intense warnings for those who abandon them.

The Curses: Read Twice a Year

• Before Shavuot (in Bechukotai)

• Before Rosh Hashanah (in Ki Tavo)

These readings align with times of judgment—on the fruits of the trees (spiritual productivity) and on our entire year.

“Peirotei Ilan” – Fruits of the Trees

This phrase symbolizes:

• Our Actions – mitzvot and spiritual output

• Our Children – the legacy we leave

• Our Torah Growth – what we internalize and give back

Shavuot is unique: it lacks specific mitzvot like Pesach or Sukkot. Its essence is Kabbalat HaTorah—our willingness to reaccept the Torah and grow spiritually. The curses awaken us to this accountability.

Two Parashiot, Two Temples

Ramban explains:

• Bechukotai’s curses (in plural) align with the First Temple, destroyed due to idolatry, immorality, and murder—despite national unity.

• Ki Tavo’s curses (in singular) reflect the Second Temple, lost to sinat chinam—baseless hatred and disunity.

The Real Reason for Destruction: “Lo Beirchu BaTorah”

The prophet Yirmiyahu asks, “Why was the land destroyed?” The answer:“Because they abandoned My Torah.”

Chazal clarify: they did not bless the Torah—not because they forgot the words, but because they didn’t value the Torah.

Rashi’s Seven-Step Spiral

A lack of appreciation leads to:

1. No study

2. No understanding

3. Despising mitzvot

4. Hating Torah scholars

5. Blocking others

6. Rejecting mitzvot

7. Denying the Torah itself

Aleph to Tav vs. Vav to Hey

The blessings begin with an Aleph and end with a Tav – a full journey of growth. The curses begin with a Vav and end with a Hey, symbolizing that the path back is close. Even a small shift in perspective can trigger full return.

A True Story: Hashem’s Hand in the Details

A young man, mourning his father, found an old letter mid-flight addressed to “Mr. Peppercorn.” The next day, while davening in a shul in New York, he saw a tallis bag with that rare name. Approaching the man, he discovered he was the original recipient’s brother. The letter, miraculously preserved, was handed over to the son—the day before his wedding. A true sign from Above.

This is Hashgacha Pratis—Hashem guiding us quietly, even in seemingly mundane moments.

A Final Thought

Parashat Bechukotai is a call to faith, consistency, and love for Torah. It reminds us that:

• True blessing lies in trusting Hashem, especially when logic fails.

• Our actions, especially how we approach Torah, have generational impact.

• Hashem is always with us—if only we choose to see Him.

Chazak, Chazak V’Nitchazek!May we all be strengthened and feel Hashem’s presence in our lives.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.All my love from Yerushalayim.