OU Torah Insights Project

Torah Insights for Shabbat Parashat Bechukotai

Yom Yerushalayim

May 31, 1997

A covenant is an "if, then" relationship. If A does this, B will do that. This is the relationship G-d forges with Israel at the outset of Parshas Bechukosai when He tells them, "If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, then…the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will yield their fruit….And you will eat your bread to your satisfaction and you will dwell in your land in tranquillity."

Clearly, this arrangement seems to be covenantal: If the people follow G-d’s word, then they will be rewarded with a bountiful yield to enjoy in tranquillity.

But doesn’t the Talmud teach that "there is no reward for the fulfillment of the mitzvos in this world"?

Concerning the promise that "you will eat your bread to your satisfaction," Rashi, quoting the Midrash, states that you will eat a little, but the little that you eat will be blessed and will fill you. The blessing is one of quality, not quantity.

This is the Torah’s concept of ideal consumption: those who are outward oriented are more likely to develop minimal needs and will be satisfied with the little they themselves eat. This blessing is dependent upon eating properly, in a value-imbued way.

The fulfillment of these Torah guidelines insures the ultimate blessing a community of caring citizens who share and look out for one another.

What G-d in-troduces here is not the notion of reward for adherence to mitzvos, but simple cause and effect. The effect of individuals abiding by the Torah and protecting the people and their environment is a society whose members appreciate the deep concern others have for them.

The poor are not envious of the rich. The trees bear fruit because the individuals responsible for cultivating them do so sensitively.

Reward for adherence to the covenant is not this-worldly. This world produces only consequences good ones, certainly for a living a life of good deeds.

The Talmud teaches that those who mourn over Jerusalem will merit seeing her redemptive joy. Those who do not mourn over Jerusalem will not merit seeing her redemptive joy.

No one can doubt the miraculous nature of our return to Jerusalem, which we celebrate on Yom Yerushalayim. But let no one doubt the cause and effect component of our return either.

Had we forgotten Yerushalayim, there would have been no foundation for the miracle. Through our remembering, the miracle became a possibility. The effect the redemption became a reality thanks in part to a cause, our remembering.

Rabbi Reuven P. Bulka

Rabbi Bulka is the Rabbi of Congregation Machzikei Hadas, Ottawa, Canada

Look For The "TORAH ON THE 'NET" Booths At Internet World Israel June 16-19 in Yerushalayim