This week’s Torah teaching introduces one of the central aspects of the covenant made through Moshe Rabbenu (Moses our teacher): obedience. The Torah clearly teaches here in this parashah that blessing is predicated upon obedience to its chukkim (laws). What sort of blessing? Physical, social, and financial, to name a few.

But not spiritual.

The LORD’s reproof to ‘Am Yisra’el, found in chapter 26:14-45, is known in Judaism as the "Tochacha", a "minor" listing of "curses" brought against the People for their disobedience. A similar yet "major" listing, also referred to as "Tochacha", can be read in Parashat Ki Tavo at D’varim (Deuteronomy) chapter 28.

The Hebrew word ‘tochacha’ means ‘reproof, correction, scolding, reprimand, punishment’, etc. By its context it conveys the purpose of "divine retribution". Interesting by comparison, the Hebrew of this current perek (chapter) is written in the plural, addressing collective Isra'el. Its counterpart in D’varim 28, however, is written in the singular. The Gaon of Vilna explains that the difference conveyed by the listing in D’varim is that the Holy One, Blessed Be He, is addressing collective Isra'el, that is, each and every Jew that was present then and each and every Jew that will be born in the future. Indeed a quote from the JPS version of D’varim 29: 13, 14 (actually found in Parashat Nitzavim) gives the Gaon this impression:

Rashi explains that the phrase "v’lo itchem l’vadchem" includes even "dorot ho’asidim l’hiyot" - generations that are destined to yet come into existence. Thus, the collective nature of the Tochacha in particular, and K’nesset Yisra’el (Assembly of Isra'el) in general, includes any future member of B’nei Yisra’el (Sons of Isra'el) as well. Accordingly, the Gemara in Sotah (16b) and Sanhedrin (43b) derives the concept of arvus (say "ar-voos"), "joint responsibility [of one Jew for another's performance of mitzvot]", from the tochacha, which emphasizes the collective unit of B’nei Yisra’el. In this sense, Rav Yeruchum Perlow (Sefer HaMitzvot L’Rasag, Chapter 57) explains the view of the Bahag who counts the Tochacha and its blessings and curses among the 613 mitzvot. He suggests that he Bahag was not referring to the ceremony and ritual of the Tochacha, but rather to the mitzvah of arvus, which is rooted in the Tochacha itself.

Our deceased Torah teacher Nechama Leibowitz helps us to see that the Rabbis of antiquity also wrestled with this passage. Before tackling the issue of why spiritual reward is not listed with the blessings of this chapter, we first notice the arrangement of the two main features.

Leibowitz comments (in her Gilyonot to Parashat B’chukkotai):

She continues by listing the opinions of various sages:

These are very important questions, which need answering, if we are to understand one of the primary purposes for the giving and doing of the Torah. Before I give my opinions as a Messianic rabbi I want to share the opinions of one of the greatest sages of Isra'el’s past, Rabbi Moshe ben-Maimon (Maimonides, a.k.a., RaMBaM).

Dealing with the "laws of repentance" in chapter nine of his Mishneh Torah he comments on this perplexing issue of the Torah:

Obviously as a Messianic Jew I disagree with his implied conclusions for keeping Torah. Don’t get me wrong. Maimonides was a great man and a far more scholarly Torah teacher than I. But the Spirit of the Holy One reveals to all who earnestly seek the Truth (and find it in Yeshua) that keeping the Commandments for the sake of forensic righteousness amounts to legalism. I do NOT espouse to legalism. On the contrary, I firmly believe that forensic righteousness is only obtainable by placing one’s unreserved trusting faithfulness in the sinless atonement provided by Yeshua HaMashiach! I stand by my own conclusions, based on an understanding of the writing of the Apostolic Writings (New Testament):

Is Judaism guilty of turning the Torah into a legalistic document? Some in Judaism are guilty of making the Torah a "works-based" teaching; many in the Church are also guilty of misunderstanding Torah. To be sure, many Christians have swallowed the hellish lie that the Torah has been done away with in Yeshua. I am amazed at both opinions! Where does the misunderstanding that the Torah is a document of legalism and not grace stem from? It stems from a human misunderstanding of the purposes and calling of HaShem.

Let us uncover a safe "middle ground" of understanding between these two poles. When an individual misappropriates the true intent of the gracious teachings of the Torah, he is a prime target for the misguided heresy called legalism!

It is here that I want to address the differences between the Covenant made with Avraham, and the Covenant made with Moshe. Some of my material will be drawn from the excellent teaching provided by First Fruits of Zion Publications book ‘Torah Rediscovered’, which can be purchased through their website of the same name.

By way of an introduction, when we are talking about obedience to the Torah, we are referring to what I call "Shomer Mitzvot". The Hebrew word "shomer" means "keeper of" or to be "observant"; the Hebrew word "mitzvot" is the plural form of the word "mitzvah" meaning "command"; thus, "shomer mitzvot" means "keeper of the commands", or more properly "Torah observant".

In Judaism, keeping the Torah is central to performing the will of HaShem. Indeed, as properly understood from HaShem’s point of view, the whole of Torah was given to bring its followers to the "goal" of acquiring the kind of faith in HaShem that leads to placing one’s trusting faithfulness in the One and only Son of HaShem, Yeshua HaMashiach. To this end, the Torah has prophesied about him since as early as the book of Genesis (3:15), and continues to speak of him until its conclusion in Revelation (22:20). In this capacity, the Torah acts like its etymological counterpart ("yarah") in that it "teaches" its adherents how to properly identify with HaShem by helping them to "reach the mark". To be sure, the Hebrew word used to identify "sin" literally means, "to miss the mark".

Obedience to the Torah has long since been an oft-misunderstood subject, both in the Jewish community and the Christian one. It is my understanding that the errors can be corrected once a person resolves the issues surrounding legalism, begins to understand the intended nature and function of the Torah in the first place, and then faithfully applies it to their own lives. Because the Messiah has already come, the Torah is now a document meant to be lived out in the life of a faithful follower of Yeshua, through the power of the Ruach HaKodesh, to the glory of HaShem the Father. It should not be presumed that it can be obeyed mechanically, automatically, legalistically, without having faith, without having trust in HaShem, without having love for HaShem or man, and without being empowered by the Ruach HaKodesh. To state it succinctly, Torah observance is a matter of the heart, always has been, and always will be.

It is my desire that this explanation here in this parashah will assist the average non-Jewish believer, or new Messianic Jewish believer in his desire to become a more mature child of God.

For what does the Torah teach in another place?

"And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer"
(Deuteronomy 10:12-16, NIV).

If the Jewish Nation as a whole had understood the central meaning behind the teaching of the Torah, legalism and mistrust would not have been the result and HaShem would not have resorted to punishing them so severely for their gross disobedience. We have been given this historical Torah so that we might learn from the lessons found therein and avoid the same pitfalls! The following material has been borrowed from my Shomer Mitzvot series, available at my web sites.

Many believers, specifically Jewish believers without a formal background in Judaism, and Gentile ones who wish to identify with the Scriptures of Israel, have questions about what it means to be "Torah Observant" or "Shomer Mitzvot" (say: show-mair meets-vote) as it is known in Jewish circles. It is my desire that this commentary to Parashat B’chukkotai will assist the average non-Jewish believer, or new Messianic Jewish believer in his desire to become a mature child of God. Walking out the new life that we as believers have in Messiah Yeshua is sometimes referred to as "halakhah", coming from the Hebrew word for "walk".

The following explanation is meant to serve as a primer to the individuals’ search to become "Torah Observant". The hearers of our current portion would have done well to understand its meaning. It is not meant to be an exhaustive definition on the subject; rather, it is simply an introduction to the concept of blessing which stems from obedience. To be sure, this Torah Teacher is not the subject matter expert. But the following "midrash" (teaching example) should enlighten the average believer:

‘Most new automobiles come with two important pieces of literature: an owner’s manual, and a set of registration papers. The first of these is free with the purchase of the car. The latter needs to be obtained legally by the purchaser. ‘In the event of a traffic altercation (accident, speeding, etc.), the driver of the vehicle is required to produce the proof of registration (among other things) to the policeman making the report. Failure to do so will have serious repercussions on the part of the driver, as this information vitally links the driver to the ownership of the car. Obviously the registration paper is very important.

‘On a similar vein, a long trip out and abroad on a hot summer day, without the use of the air conditioner, will prove to be uncomfortable, to say the least. Especially, if the region is a humid one. A flat tire during this trip would spell "double disaster". Because this is a new car, the driver is unfamiliar with the climate controls, so the heat is unbearable! Also, he or she may be ignorant when is comes to changing a flat tire! Where does the driver turn to for assistance? Fortunately the owner’s manual covers such topics as "climate controls, changing a flat, oil pressure, engine maintenance, and even radio features". The owner’s manual proves to be a valuable tool in providing both comfort and peace of mind in this situation.’

The matter of Torah Observance is made clearer when one understands the relationship he or she has to the Covenants. Once again, our recipient of the message of Parashat B’chukkotai would have done well to grasp the following central truth! The Torah spells out at least two very important Covenants in the life of a follower of HaShem. There is the Avrahamic (with Abraham) Covenant and the Moshaic (with Moses) Covenant. The Avrahamic Covenant serves to represent the registration papers, in our above drash. Prior to coming to faith, the Torah served as a reminder of sin (Romans 7:7-12). This is not the only function of Torah, but it is a primary one. After coming into a relationship with HaShem, through His Son Yeshua, the person underwent a change in relationship to the Torah. The Avrahamic Covenant became for him or her, a "promise of inheritance". An "inheritance" of what? Of "eternal life", through trusting faithfulness. It became their "proof of ownership" so-to-say. It still reminded him or her of their sin. However, because we now constitute the "Righteousness of HaShem" (Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21), we are now free to pursue following HaShem without the threat of death for disobedience! To be sure, the Torah spelled certain death for some disobedient acts committed by the supposed covenant follower (see: Exodus 31:12-18 "Sabbath violation"). Even the New Covenant Scriptures (B’rit Chadashah) teach that "the wages (payment) of sin is death". But now Yeshua’s atoning death has "redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13, KJV). "Death" and "condemnation" is no longer our wages (Romans 6:23; 8:1).

The Moshaic Covenant was added for the "enjoyment of the promise" already available through our participation in the Avrahamic Covenant. The Moshaic Covenant became our "owner’s manual", providing blessing, maintenance, and enjoyment of promise to our lives.

Torah Observance is a matter of the heart. It always has been and always will be. The Torah Proper (first Five Books of Moshe) instructed the people of Isra’el to "love ADONAI your God with all their heart, all your being and all your resources" (Deuteronomy 6:5). This is where "Shomer Mitzvot" begins—by loving HaShem, and accepting Him on His terms. By this, I mean accepting His means of covenant obedience. For today, this means acceptance of Yeshua, His only Son, for Jew and non-Jew alike.

Covenants require a response on the part of the follower. HaShem, for His part, has provided the "promise of inheritance" for all those who participate in the Avrahamic Covenant. The response to this covenant is "faith". The nature of the Moshaic Covenant is "blessing, maintenance, and enjoyment of promise". For them that wish to participate, the response to this covenant is "obedience". It’s that "easy". But not so easy for the original hearers of the blessings and curses of Leviticus chapter 26! For as the history of the Torah will graphically demonstrate, an entire generation failed to understand God’s important message and is forced to die in the wilderness before even reaching the Promised Land of Inheritance (coming up in Numbers chapter 14)!

The lesson for us today is important indeed!

This idea of commandment keeping is a state of mind, as well as a daily function! We should never fall for the age-old, compulsory reasons for keeping the commands of HaShem! Legalism, that is, keeping the Torah for the sake of salvation or merit with HaShem (making yourself better than your fellow man in the eyes of HaShem), is simply NOT Scriptural! To be sure, it is a misuse of the Torah itself! Torah observance is a matter of the heart!

Nahar Deah
 
Correcting Communal Corruption
Rav Kook
 
The Torah describes terrible calamities that result from abandoning the Torah: disease, war, famine, and exile. According to the Sages, one particular offense is the principal reason for punishing the Jewish people: corruption in the judicial arena.

Why do these lapses require such harsh punishments? And what did the Sages mean by "neglect of Torah" ("bitul Torah")? How is it related to judicial corruption?
 
"Judicial corruption". A corrupt court system, acquitting the guilty and convicting the innocent, increases social injustice. The entire structure of society degenerates into gangs of rapacious wolves and scavengers preying on the weak. In such a situation, the institutions of society need to be overhauled. According to the extent by which people refuse on their own accord to champion justice and fairness, Divine providence intervenes to uproot society, for the sake of rebuilding it properly.
 
What is "neglect of Torah"? This refers to a decay in the very spirit of society. The Torah is rejected as an inspiration to seek justice; its teachings no longer serve as a guideline for spiritual and ethical aspirations. Bereft of spiritual goals, life degenerates into crass materialism. The value of life is limited to the physical fulfillment of base desires and wants. This egocentric outlook undermines the striving for the communal good, and respect for the rights of others.
 
"People eat but remain hungry". Our feelings of pride and self- worth are based on a sense of honor and integrity. When law and order are abandoned, these feelings are lost. The soul naturally aspires to the ideals of good, enlightenment, and fairness. When one's goals are limited only to that which the hand may grope and the tooth may chew, the soul becomes unfulfilled and dissatisfied.
 
"They eat their bread by weight". What is the nature of this curse? Bread is usually sold by unit, not by weight. In times of famine, however, bread becomes such a scarce commodity that it is purchased by weight. This serves to reinforce a heightened sensitivity towards property rights. The former unconcern towards theft, the fundamental indifference towards the property of others, is corrected by a keen awareness of the ownership of every crumb of bread [Ayn Aya III:185-6].

It is customary after the completion of a book of the Torah to say,