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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5755, Bechukosai

“I will remember My covenant with Yaakov and also My covenant with Yitzchak; and also My covenant with Avraham I will surely remember, and I will remember the Land.” (26:42)

This pasuk presents an apparent change in the sequential order of the Avos, Patriarchs. Rashi interprets the pasuk to indicate that the merit of Yaakov should be sufficient to bring redemption to his children. If Yaakov’s merit is not worthy of effecting redemption, Yitzchak Avinu’s zechusim, merits, will add to the virtue on behalf of Klal Yisrael.  If Klal Yisrael is still in need of support, the merits of Avraham Avinu will tip the scale in favor of Klal Yisrael. The commentators question this sequence.  Yaakov Avinu is the bchir ha’Avos, the chosen of the Patriarchs, his name is engraved…

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5755, Bechukosai

“You will flee with no one pursuing you.” (26:17)

What is the curse implied in fleeing from non-existent pursuers ? On the contrary, it should be a blessing that no one is pursuing us! The Gaon M’Vilna explains this pasuk by first citing the pasuk in Koheles 3:15, “Hashem always seeks (to help) the (one who is) pursued.” According to the Midrash, this applies even in the instance in which a tzaddik is chasing after a rasha; Hashem will protect the rasha, since he is the “underdog.”  This is the implication of the curse: No one will be chasing us, so that we will not be assisted by Hashem….

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5755, Bechukosai

“I broke the staves of your yoke and I led you erect.” (26:13)

The Midrash interprets the word ,uhnnue to mean “upright and erect”, without fear of any man. Horav Tzvi Hirsch Farber, z.l., defines this “posture” as relating to the Jew’s spiritual realm, rather than the physical. Unfortunately, some individuals tend to be apprehensive about public mitzvah observance. Our Jewish pride should not permit us to cast mitzvah performance by the wayside as a result of fear or ridicule. It is self-destructive for an individual to disavow himself from his inherent belief. To deny one’s nobility and genuine religious conviction out of fear of public reaction indicates a low spiritual self-esteem and…

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5755, Bechukosai

“If you will walk in My laws (My decrees) and My mitzvos you will guard/observe and perform them.” (26:3)

Mitzvah observance is the prime focus of this parsha. This pasuk presents a refreshing perspective on mitzvah observance. Many individuals desire to fulfill the mitzvos to the highest degree in order to achieve an unparalleled relationship with Hashem. The Sidduro Shel Shabbos posits that the words, “And My mitzvos you will guard,” suggest an orientation to mitzvah observance that can be summed up with one word — yearning. One should possess an inner longing to observe mitzvos to the point that he anticipates the opportunity for performing a mitzvah with love and increasing desire. This type of devotion symbolizes an…

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Home -> Bechukosai -> 5755

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In 5755, Bechukosai

“If you walk in My laws/follow My decrees.” (26:3)

The Midrash cites the pasuk in Tehillim 119, “I contemplated my path and my feet returned me to Your testimony.” It also presents Dovid Ha’Melech’s explanation of his allusion in the pasuk. Dovid Ha’Melech explained that every day he organized his activities and decided where to go.  He would begin on his way, but instead of proceeding to his intended destination, his feet literally propelled him to the Bais Ha’Midrash. This Midrash begs further explanation.  First, what connection is there between the pasuk, “If you will walk in My laws,” and Dovid Ha’Melech’s statement ?  Second, Dovid Ha’Melech’s original statement…

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