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Parshat
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Parshat
Bechukotai |
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A Student Publication of the Torah Academy of Bergen County
Parshat Behar
21 Iyar 5763
May 24, 2003
Vol.12 No.30
In This Issue:
Rabbi Darren Blackstein
Rabbi Chaim Jachter
Last But Not Least
by Rabbi Darren Blackstein
In Parshat Bechukotai we are presented with a
reality, which we all must eventually face. If we follow Hashem's commandments,
learn about them and practice them, then our existence in this world will be
pleasant and productive. However, failure to comply with these commandments will
lead to a painful and tortured existence. The truth of this formula may not be
readily seen by someone in his own lifetime, but it is certainly discernable in
the bigger picture. Even when we sin, Hashem is looking forward to our
repentance as is indicated when the Torah says, "Then they will confess their
sin and the sin of their forefathers." Our confession is expected and
anticipated. After we are dispersed in the land of our enemies and thereby
humbled, we will be remembered by Hashem. 26:42 tells us, "I will remember My
covenant with Yaakov and also My covenant with Yitzchak, and also My covenant
with Avraham will I remember, and I will remember the land." Normally the Avot
are listed with Avraham first, followed by Issac, and ending with Yaakov. Why
here are they listed in reverse order?
In conjunction with this verse, the Midrash Rabbah on Vayikra (section 36)
brings down a dispute regarding the order of creation. Beit Shammai holds that
the heavens were created first and then the earth afterwards. This is shown by
the very first verse in the Torah. Beit Hillel maintains that the earth was
created first, as is shown by the second verse in chapter 2 of Bereshit, "In the
day that Hashem made earth and heaven." Rabbi Yochanan, in an attempt to
understand these two opinions as one cohesive idea, says in the name of the
Chachamim that regarding the creative process, the heavens were created first,
but regarding completion the earth was created first. How does this dispute
relate to our question about the Avot being in reverse order? Perhaps we can say
the following. Even though the heavens were created first, their completion was
contingent on the completion of the earth. The earth's importance should not be
minimized even when contemplating the heavens. In terms of our creation as a
nation, our beginning and our roots lie with Avraham. Avraham is at the core of
our inner commitment to our monotheistic beliefs. Due to his prominence in this
role, he is normally listed first. However, in our Parsha, we are not talking
about our creation as a people. Our topic at hand is our finishing touches, our
completion as a people. This completion is contingent in our firm adherence to
Torah and the realization of the consequences that await disobedience. When we
think of this commitment and of the repentance needed from time to time, we must
mention the last of the Avot first. This represents our desire to earn our own
salvation if possible. If Avraham were listed first, we would be admitting that
we essentially are not worthy of consideration and the only way we can be saved
is by remembering our beginning through Avraham. By listing Yaakov first, we are
attempting to alert Hashem's attention to our latest accomplishments. The merits
of the Avot will certainly stand for us but we should not let them stand instead
of us. We must take the initiative regarding our own improvement. The Avot
started something wonderful and we are the completion of their efforts.
The current situation in Israel is at best precarious. We cannot sit back and
think that it will fix itself. Our active participation is required. Whether
through our Tefillah, learning, financial support, or through our attendance at
events such as the Israeli Day Parade, we must try to earn the fulfillment of
the promises made to the Avot so long ago. Just as the heavens could not be
completed until the earth was completed, so too, that which the Avot started
cannot be completed until we do our share.
Staff at time of publication:
Editors-in-Chief: Shuky Gross, Effie Richmond
Publication Editors: Sam Wiseman, Jerry Karp
Publication Managers: Orin Ben-Jacob, Danny Shulman
Publishing Manager: Ely Winkler
Business Manager: Andy Feuerstein Rudin
Webmaster: Willie Roth
Faculty Advisor: Rabbi Chaim Jachter
This publication contains Torah matter
and should be treated accordingly.