Shalom and
Bracha!
This
Shabbat we read the portion of Bechukotai, it is the Shabbat before Lag
B’omer, and we conclude the book of Vayikra. All of the above have a
relevance to the preparation for Shavuot and the receiving of the Torah.
The
Shabbat when we conclude a book of the Torah is referred to as “Shabbat
Chazak.” At the conclusion of the reading, it is customary for the
entire congregation to call out “Chazak, Chazak, V’nitchazeik” which
mean “let us be mighty with strength and power. This is because
everything that we complete in service of Hashem should give us new
strength to go further and reach higher ends. This is particularly
underscored this Shabbat, when we finish the third book of Torah,
because in Jewish law something which occurs three times is considered a
Chazakah, a reliable probability. The number three also bears a special
significance to the giving of the Torah, which is threefold (Torah,
Prophets and Holy Writings) and was given to a three part people (Kohen,
Levi and Israel) in the third month after three days of preparation.
The
portion of Bechukotai is always read shortly before Shavuot because it
discusses the weight of the Torah we are to receive. The portion begins
with the promise that in reward for diligent Torah study with the intent
to follow and observe, Hashem will provide all of our earthly needs. The
Torah proceeds with warnings about abrogating the Torah. Seemingly, this
is contrary to the principal that one should not serve Hashem in order
to receive a reward, but rather to for the very sake of Hashem’s
service. The Rambam explains that the Torah is assuring us that by
serving Hashem properly; Hashem will remove all obstacles that hinder
our concentration and devotion. This is also alluded to by the fact that
conclusion of the blessings is “I will place My dwelling amongst you…I
will be your G-d and You will be my people”. This teaches that the
blessings lead to a more perfect bond with G-d.
The
Midrash explains that the blessings in the portion parallel the time of
Adam in the Garden of Eden and refer to the time of Moshiach. Among the
blessings are that the earth will yield fruits upon planting, food will
have a miraculous ability to satiate, vicious animals will cease to
attack, and Hashem will grant peace in the land. The comparison of
Moshiach’s time to the time of Adam has a connection to the Torah. The
Midrash teaches that the light in the Garden of Eden was too great for
mundane mankind and Hashem hid it in the Torah. Through diligent study
of the Torah, we reach this light and merit the return of the blessings
that accompanied it.
This
Sunday is Lag B’omer, the day of passing of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. He
was the author of the Zohar, the first major work explaining the Torah
according to the Kabbalah. Diligent study of the Torah includes the
study of the inner meaning of the verses and the Mitzvot. Furthermore,
the hidden light of the Torah is primarily in the inner meanings. The
stern warnings of this week’s portion are read near to Lag B’omer
because the inner teachings of Torah reveal the blessings hidden within
the curses
May we
immediately see the fulfillment of the blessing of peace in the land
accompanied by all of the other blessings with the coming of Moshiach!
Shabbat
Shalom,
Rabbi Biggs
Dedicated to the honorees
A project
of Chabad of Great Neck
400 East
Shore Rd.
Great Neck
NY 11024
516
4874554 fax 516 4874807
