VOLUME 120 NUMBER 6
Iyar 21, 5786
May 8, 2026
Parshas Behar-Bechukosai
Candlelighting Time 7:43
The Torah urges us to dedicate our time, resources and energy for Torah study. The language employed is rather interesting. Torah study is referred to as a statute and immersion in its study is termed walking. Certainly, there is a reason for this unusual definition of our obligation to invest in Torah study. Additionally, we are compelled to protect the mitzvos and observe them. Seemingly, performance of the mitzvos would be the best route to protect them, what besides performing them would be deemed their protection!
Rav Shlomo Kluger explains the Talmudic dictum that we don’t receive reward for fulfilling the mitzvos in this world. Quoting an earlier source, he clarifies that would we receive a compensation for performance of mitzvos and then repudiate our connection to Hashem, subsequently all the mitzvos that we had performed would become null and void, yet the reward would have already been doled out. Therefore, in this world, preceding that of the Afterlife, we do not achieve in order to receive recompence. However, there is a road to success and that is if we are so attached to Hashem through engrossment in Torah study, then the above concern is so minimized and remote that one can receive compensation for performance of mitzvos. However, the standard of involvement in Torah study is quite a bar of excellence, diligence and adherence to that goal with incredible and superb commitment and dedication. And that is exactly what the Torah is demanding of us in order that we should indeed excel, we should toil in Torah day and night and be so occupied and engaged in its study that we will remain captivated by Torah and sincerely connected to Hashem and therefore we will indeed guard the mitzvos by fulfilling that mandate.
Kedushas Levi adds another insight into this theme. He writes that as we perform the mitzvos with zeal and enthusiasm a direct product of our intensified Torah study, attentive to the details of the mitzvah, Hashem grants more opportunities to serve him. Therefore, we are viewed as walking, constantly and consistently upgrading our lives whereas the angels are referred to as standing. They don’t have the ability to improve their level of existence on a spiritual basis. We have that capacity and therefore the opportunity to realize higher and higher levels of proximity to Hashem.
We may perhaps understand the Torah’s defining Torah study as a statute for we must be ingrained with the premise that studying Hashem’s word is an unqualified and foregone conclusion as to how we must perceive our lives and our objectives in life. Of course, the challenge is great and we may even view it as out of reach. We must remind ourselves of the dictum stated in the Talmud that Hashem does not force upon His people any task which is beyond their capability. The greater the challenge, so will be the accomplishment. And the most effective way to achieve this goal is through Torah study. As we walk and grow within our study of Torah, then we safeguard the mitzvos because as the Talmud states, Torah rates supreme because it is the road to performance of mitzvos.
The Yom Tov of Shavuos is only a few days away and now is the time for preparation for that incredible opportunity to study Torah and elevate our lives in a way that is incomparable to any other form of service to Hashem. As the parsha states, when we walk in the ways of the Torah, guard the mitzvos and perform them, then we will receive our rain, sustenance in the proper fashion. Hashem will care for those who are appreciative of the gift of Torah and attend to its opportunity and magnitude.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
One of the blessings that we will merit when we observe the Torah is that there will be peace in our land. The Midrash understands this as a reference to Torah. The blessings that Torah bestows upon the nation are plentiful and amongst them is that when we are beholden to the Torah and its principles then peace will follow. CHASAM SOFER
GOOD SHABBOS
