Rashi interprets the Torah’s imperative to “walk” in Hashem’s statutes as meaning to toil laboriously in the study of Torah. It seems peculiar that Torah study, which is an intellectual pursuit of knowledge, should be characterized by the term “chok” – which denotes a statute whose rationale is not necessarily comprehensible by human intelligence.
Horav Simcha Zisel Shlita explains that the Torah is teaching us the proper perspective with which one should view Torah study. Torah study should be more than an exercise in mental gymnastics; rather, it should be a total immersion of one’s essence in the sea of Torah, stretching beyond the ordinary limits of human intelligence. This type of diligence is exemplified by toil, and is, therefore, characterized as “chok”. Consequently, the achievement one attains through Torah study is beyond the grasp of human intelligence. Indeed, all the supernatural blessings mentioned in this parsha are attainable only through the effort and toil of toil.
Horav Nissan Alpert Z”l uses a similar approach to explain the Torah’s choice of the words you will go to describe diligent Torah study. He explains that throughout his life man is depicted as a holech, a mover, or a walker. The Torah serves as a beacon of light to ensure that he goes on the correct path, safe from various obstructions and obstacles. Man is accompanied on this path by the Torah, and whenever he arrives at a “crossroad” of life, it guides him around the pitfalls awaiting those who are ignorant of the way. This successful journey is achieved through “toil” and consequently this process is called “going”. Thus, Jewish law is referred to as “halacha” – which is a derivative of “holech”, to go. Indeed, these “halachos” serve as the pathfinder of life for a Jew.
A Torah Jew integrates Torah values into his personality, and Torah erudition serves as the framework for all his judgments. The Chazon Ish Z”l once stated that to achieve greatness in the area of Torah one must pursue both the rational and mystical aspects of Torah study. This means to study for long periods of time without interruption, to remain uninvolved in the pursuit of physical pleasures, and to refrain from seeking recognition for one’s accomplishments. Such a Torah Jew is an individual who “lives” rather than “studies” Torah. He is one whose wisdom results from being immersed in Torah study, incorporating it into his thinking process and integrating it into his personality. His personality is unique in that all of his emotions and reflexes are in harmony with halacha and Torah sentiment. This is perhaps a small glimpse of one who exemplifies the meaning of “ufk, h,ejc ot”.
