When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week I learned about Parashat Bechukotai (בְּחֻקֹּתַי), the 33rd weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings and final reading from the Book of Leviticus. This week is also Shabbat Mevarchim, the Shabbat before the start of a Jewish month (Rosh Chodesh), or “the Shabbat when we bless.” On this day during the synagogue service, we recite a special blessing for the new month and announce the timing of Rosh Chodesh.
According to Wikipedia, Bechukotai (בְּחֻקֹּתַי), Leviticus 26:3 through 27:34, contains 3,992 Hebrew letters, 1,013 words, 78 verses and 131 lines of Torah. Bechukotai deals with blessings for obeying the law, curses for disobeying it and “vows”.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Bechukotai for Shabbat June 1, 2024 aka 25 Iyar 5784:
We are honored to share this week’s Torah portion and haftorah with Bat Mitzvah Madison Tichauer and her family. In this, the final Sedra of the Book of Leviticus, we are presented with choices and consequences. The opening section outlines the blessings available for adhering to the laws of the Torah. It then proceeds to the Tochecah- the warnings and admonitions , punishments, frustrations, and curses that will result to those who ignore and scorn G-d’s Laws. The blessings are given in general terms, but the warnings are very specific. The Sages teach us that the reason for this is to invoke awe and obedience to G-d’s will (Ibn Ezra).
The Torah Portion concludes by describing the laws concerning vows and pledges including monetary value, values of sacrifices, value of land and fields, and tithes. The concepts of valuation underscore the close relationship and specific expectations that are placed by G-d upon those who truly accept the importance of philanthropy and sharing. Thus, as the People of Israel prepare to begin the journey into the desert, toward the Land of Israel, they are given a full understanding, through the final two Sedrot of Vayikra, the land which they will possess and all within it are gifts from the Almighty- to be shared and treated with utmost care and respect. Failure to adhere to these ideals will result in dire consequences but following G-d’s Laws will produce a life, both individually and communally, of justice, fairness and peace which will allow us to live on the Land in safety.
Questions to Ponder:
- Why is the blessing of abundant rain in its time considered a double blessing for the Land of Israel?
- Why does the Torah expand the warnings later in Sedra Ki Tavo?
- In what ways are the warnings similar to those given by a parent to their children? How are they more severe?
- Where included in the warnings the dangers of a parent continuing on a sinful path?”
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his shicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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