Parashat Behar Bechukotai: Preparation for Matan Torah

Strengthening Ourselves During the Week of Yesod

Hello everyone. It’s quite late, and I wasn’t sure if I would manage to send this message, but here I am, pushing myself not to give up. This week we read Parashat Behar-Bechukotai, which coincides with Shabbat Hazak — a time to strengthen ourselves spiritually.

The Significance of Yesod in the Omer Count

We are currently in the week of Yesod during the counting of the Omer. Yesod, which means "foundation" or "fundamental principles," is associated with Yosef. Yosef, one of the spies, symbolizes steadfastness in principles even amidst corruption. As we approach Kabbalat Torah (receiving the Torah) in two weeks, this week reminds us to identify and strengthen the foundational values we must hold onto.

The Torah’s Focus on the Mitzvah of Shemitah

The Torah begins listing laws in this parashah with the mitzvah of Shemitah (the sabbatical year). Rashi asks: why mention Shemitah specifically at Har Sinai when the Jewish people were still encamped there? The answer is that Shemitah represents a profound principle:

• Letting go of control: After six years of hard work cultivating the land, Hashem commands that the land rest and that we relinquish control, even if it means loss.

• This mitzvah teaches us that success in life is not solely dependent on our efforts; everything ultimately depends on Hashem.

The Challenge of Faith Over Logic

Shemitah challenges our natural tendency to rely on personal effort and logic. Even spiritually, we often believe we control outcomes. The mitzvah calls us to:

• Submit fully to Hashem’s will, even when it seems illogical or risky.

• Trust that Hashem will provide, just as He promises blessings if we observe Shemitah faithfully.

Empathy and Helping Others in Difficult Times

The parashah also teaches a vital lesson about empathy:

• When you see a friend struggling financially, offer help before they collapse completely.

• This proactive kindness strengthens community and reflects true Jewish values, especially important in times of crisis like the recent pandemic.

The Danger of Negative Influences

The Torah warns about the risk of selling oneself to non-Jews due to poverty, which can lead to spiritual danger by adopting harmful behaviors and beliefs. As Rav Dessler explains:

• Surroundings influence behavior, often unconsciously.

• We must guard our spiritual integrity even in hardship to avoid desecrating Shabbat and other mitzvot.

Blessings and Curses: Lessons from History

Parashat Behar-Bechukotai ends with blessings for obedience and curses for abandonment of Torah laws, read twice yearly before Shavuot and Rosh Hashanah.

• These warnings remind us that our actions have real consequences.

• The destructions of the First and Second Temples were linked to abandoning Torah values.

• The Torah encourages us to invest extra effort (“amal batorah”) in our learning and observance, especially in challenging times like now.

The Greatest Blessing: Peace (Shalom)

Among the blessings promised, the greatest is shalom — peace.

• In our divided world, this is a precious and necessary gift.

• We should strive for unity, respect, love, and empathy toward all, regardless of differences.

Our Individual Value and Trust in Hashem

The parashah also emphasizes that every person is valuable to Hashem, regardless of material wealth or past mistakes.

• Each person has the potential for greatness by trusting Hashem fully.

• This trust brings sincerity to Shabbat and mitzvah observance.

Hazak, Hazak, Venithazek — Strengthen Ourselves!

The phrase "Hazak, Hazak, Venithazek" (Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened) reflects the spiritual cycle of planting, cultivating, and harvesting.

• Just as the earth needs rain to yield crops, we need Hashem’s blessing for success.

• We repeat this plea three times to emphasize our total reliance on Hashem.

A Story from the Baal Shem Tov: Total Reliance on Hashem

Finally, I’d like to share a beautiful story about the Baal Shem Tov, which connects deeply to this theme of total reliance on Hashem. He traveled village to village collecting funds, staying weeks in each place, demonstrating faith and trust that Hashem would provide through the kindness of others.

Conclusion

As we prepare to receive the Torah in just two weeks, may we:

• Strengthen our foundations like Yosef.

• Embrace the challenge of Shemitah by trusting Hashem beyond logic.

• Show empathy toward others.

• Guard our spiritual integrity.

• Invest effort in Torah learning.

• Seek peace and unity.

• Remember our unique value to Hashem.

• And always say, Hazak, Hazak, Venithazek — may Hashem strengthen us all.