Parshas Behar - Bechukosai: Courting the Living Torah
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Have you ever considered that Torah might be alive, seeking relationship with those who truly cherish it? This groundbreaking perspective transforms our understanding of what it means to "toil in Torah."
At the heart of Parshas Bechukosai lies a divine promise of abundance – timely rain, bountiful crops, peace, health, and prosperity. The condition? "Im bechukosai telechu" – if you will go in My laws. But what does this really mean? Rashi's revolutionary interpretation reveals it's about being "ameilim baTorah" – toiling in Torah study. Yet why would God want us to suffer or struggle with His wisdom?
The answer lies in understanding Torah as a living entity rather than a static text. As evidenced in Sefer Mishlei, where wisdom "cries out in the streets" and "raises her voice in the squares," Torah has a heartbeat, feelings, and desires. Just like any meaningful relationship, Torah seeks those who demonstrate sincere devotion and prioritization.
This explains why Yehoshua earned leadership over Moshe’s own son – not because of intellectual prowess, but because "he arranged the chairs and smoothed the tablecloths" in the study hall. He served Torah passionately, rising early and staying late, making it feel cherished above all else.
True "ameilis baTorah" means courting Torah like a potential life partner – demonstrating that it's the most crucial relationship in your life. When we approach Torah this way – as a living presence rather than information to master – it reciprocates, "falling in love" with us and revealing its most profound wisdom.
How might your relationship with Torah change if you treated it not just as a text to study but as a presence to honor, cherish, and prioritize? Start courting Torah today, and watch as it opens its heart to you, revealing treasures beyond imagination.
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Chapters
1. God's Promise: If You Follow My Laws (00:00:00)
2. The Meaning of "Going in God's Laws" (00:03:05)
3. Torah as a Living Entity (00:10:26)
4. Courting and Befriending Torah (00:16:22)
5. Yehoshua: The Model of Devotion (00:21:32)
267 episodes