Parashat Bechukkotai 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

This parashah, the last in the book of Vayikra, begins with God promising many future blessings for the nation, if they follow the laws and the commandments: rain at the proper season, abundant produce and grain, peace and freedom from their enemies, many children. Additionally, God will dwell among them and establish God’s covenant with them.

This is followed by a lengthy section called the Tokhehah, which is filled with many unspeakable curses that God will exact upon the nation as a consequence of disobedience. Yet, even after all these, God promises to remember the covenant and not spurn the nation.

Finally, we read about those who make vows to God, to be paid through the value of a slave, an animal, or a house. If someone was forced by economic circumstances to sell their land, it was possible to redeem it later for one-fifth more than the original price. Most importantly, all land reverted to the original owner every fiftieth (jubilee) year. In this system, no one was doomed to remain in a life of poverty forever; everyone was given a second chance.

From this, we learn that our land (and, indeed, everything that we have) does not really belong to us; everything we have ultimately comes from God’s blessings. Sometimes we are called upon to share the blessings that we have received with others who may be in need of them. We must be willing to answer that call. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.