Chasidic Insights

CHASIDIC INSIGHTS PARSHAS B'HAR-B'CHUKOSAI 5764 BS"D

PARSHAS B'HAR

Ch. 25, v. 10: "V'shavtem ish el achuzoso" - Rashi says that the punishment for not complying with the laws of "shmitoh" and "yoveil" is that the land is laid to waste and the bnei Yisroel are sent into exile. As time passes some become wealthier and some poorer and poorer, to the point that they are forced to sell their land inheritance and themselves into slavery. Extreme differences in social and financial status are the main cause for war and revolution, which in turn bring about destruction and exile. If these extremes would last for only a short period of time then it would not lead to war, etc. This is accomplished through "shmitoh," where one's field is not his own and all may take of its produce. Similarly, property is returned to its original owner every fifty years. The feeling of inequality does not fester and explode as it is short term. When "shmitoh" and "yoveil" are not kept the natural outgrowth is destruction and exile. (Chidushei HoRi"m)

Ch. 25, v. 35: "V'hechezakto bo" - In T'hilim 49:11 the verse says, "v'ozvu laacheirim cheilom." This is commonly translated as, "and they will leave their possessions over for others." Based on our verse that one who is in need of help should be given the means to strengthen himself we can says that "v'ozvu laacheirim," and if they HELP others, from the same word source as "ozove taazove," then "cheilom," this is their strength, i.e. a great merit for the benefactor. (Rabbi Z.H. Farber in the name of Rabbi Akiva Eiger)

Ch. 25, v. 37: "Uvmarbis lo si'tein ochlecho" - And in excess do not place your food staple. (Adaptation of the words of the Pardes Yoseif) In a similar vein: In Yeshayohu 55:8 the verse says, "Lomoh sish'b'ru chesef b'lo lechem." The prophet bemoans one who purchases food that is not basic bread, but rather, excess and culinary extravaganza. Not only is this a bad trait in and of itself, but it also brings a person to never have enough money and in turn he works and works and has no rest. (Rabbi Yisroel Salanter)

PARSHAS B'CHUKOSAI

Ch. 26, v. 12: "V'his'halachti b'soch'chem v'hoyisi lochem lEilokim" - Rashi says that the last three words of this phrase refer to being G-d fearing. Some put in much effort to exhibit their "yiras Shomayim" externally. It is better for this to be "v'his'halachti b'soch'chem," fear of Hashem should be an internal experience, not a public show.

In a similar vein: In Shir Hashirim 7:2 the verse says, "Mah yofu fomayich banolim." The pounding (of your heart), i.e. your fear of Hashem, is beautiful, when it is "banolim," encased. (The Holy Admor of Kotzk)

Ch. 26, v. 44: "Bi'h'yosom b'eretz oyveihem lo m'astim" - Specifically because they are in the land of their enemies I will not despise them. Compared to the surrounding populace, no matter how badly the bnei Yisroel act, they shine in comparison. (Raabi Yoseif Karo)

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