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“I will not have been revolted by them, nor will I have rejected them to obliterate them.” (26:44)

The Zohar Hakadosh suggests a special meaning for this phrase. Instead of the word ,ukfkw “to obliterate,” he reads it as the word vkfw “bride,” drawing the following analogy. A wealthy man was seen walking through a very poor section of a hostile land. When questioned regarding his whereabouts, he responded that he was searching for his bride-to-be. Indeed, when she appeared, the whole street took on a different appearance in his eyes. Even the air took on a sweet fragrance for him. So, too, Hashem will not reject us when, like an impatient bride, we await Him during our…

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“To break My covenant.” (26:15)

Rashi explains this refers to rehgc rpuf, one who will eventually deny the basic tenets of religion or the existence of Hashem. This commentary does not seem consistent with the sequence of the text. After the Torah enumerates various punishments to befall those who sin, it states: “And if after all this you will [still] not listen to Me and walk contrary to Me (hrec)” (26:27). Rabbeinu Yonah characterizes hre as one who dismisses the punishments as “accidental” happenings, which are not relevant to him at all. According to the text, this sin is even more egregious than the previous…

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“And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you go upright.” (26:13)

Rashi cites the Midrash which explains this blessing with two words, with vpuez vnuecw “erect stature.” Horav M. Shternbuch, Shlita, expounds on this concept. There are individuals who, although they are observant, tend to deny their compliance with Hashem’s mitzvos. Consequently, they mask their mitzvah performance and attempt to conceal their allegiance to the Torah. These individuals disguise authentic observance with artificial excuses. They are moral cowards who lack the courage of their convictions, demonstrating a lack of pride in their heritage. They are fearful that, due to their commitment to Judaism, they will be viewed as different. This perception…

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