Parshas Behar, Pesach Sheni, and Enduring Lessons

We’ll dedicate this short class in memory of Shmuel ben Zvi, whose yahrtzeit was yesterday. Even though we are already into the next day, every opportunity to learn Torah in memory of a loved one brings an aliyah to the neshamah. May his neshamah have a great aliyah.

At first glance, what Rashi says at the opening of this week’s parsha seems somewhat removed from the simple meaning of the verse, yet Rashi brings it directly from the Sifra.

The parsha begins with the words: “Im bechukosai teleichu” — “If you will go in My statutes.” Normally, we would understand this as referring to keeping mitzvos. However, Rashi asks: how can this phrase simply mean keeping mitzvos if the very next words are, “and you shall keep My commandments”? The Torah already speaks explicitly about observing mitzvos, so what additional meaning is conveyed by “If you will go in My statutes”?

Rashi explains that “Im bechukosai teleichu” means שתהיו עמלים בתורה — that you should toil in Torah. Not merely study Torah casually, but put real effort into Torah learning. A person must work hard, think deeply, struggle to understand, delve into the subject, and not let go until he truly grasps it.

There is a tremendous difference between something that comes easily and something earned through hard work. As the saying goes: “Easy come, easy go.” When a person hears something quickly and effortlessly, it often leaves just as quickly. It does not become part of him. But when someone works hard, uses his mind intensely, struggles and exerts himself, then the knowledge stays with him.

The Alter Rebbe explains in Likkutei Torah that the word “bechukosai” is related to the idea of engraving — chakikah. What is the difference between writing and engraving? Writing is external. Ink sits upon parchment and can eventually be erased or removed. Engraving, however, becomes part of the stone itself. It cannot simply be scratched away.

The Rebbe explains further that this also teaches us how Torah must relate to the person himself. Sometimes people learn Torah because they enjoy the intellectual stimulation. Torah becomes another hobby or intellectual pursuit. Just as some people enjoy puzzles or other mental exercises, they enjoy Torah study as an enjoyable activity.

But if Torah learning is based only on personal satisfaction, then once the person feels satisfied, he moves on. The connection remains external. True ameilus baTorah means going beyond what feels comfortable or naturally enjoyable. It means investing effort even when it is difficult.

That is why Torah is compared to engraving. The Torah is no longer something separate from the person. Rather, the person and the Torah become one. Torah becomes part of his very identity.

We clearly see that the people who become truly successful in Torah are those who work hardest in Torah.

There is a famous story about the Tzemach Tzedek, who was raised by his grandfather, the Alter Rebbe. The Alter Rebbe once wanted to bless him with an especially open mind, that Torah understanding should come easily to him without great struggle. The Tzemach Tzedek declined the blessing. He felt that Torah must come through hard work and effort.

Later in life, however, he remarked that he regretted declining the blessing. Even if Torah understanding had come more easily on one level, there would always have remained higher and deeper levels requiring effort. Torah has no limit; there is always another level to reach, another depth to uncover.

This is the key to success in Torah. “Im bechukosai teleichu” means not giving up quickly when something is difficult, but sitting with diligence and perseverance until the Torah becomes engraved within you.

In truth, this applies to all areas of life. Success generally comes through hard work and persistence.

Today, people often rely on computers and smartphones. Whenever there is a question, they simply “ask Rabbi Google.” Answers come instantly without effort. One may appear knowledgeable by quickly producing information, but that knowledge often remains superficial. True understanding requires work, patience, and diligence.

When a person truly toils in Torah, the Torah becomes part of him. He becomes a Torah Jew in the deepest sense.

The Eibershter should help us do our part: to study Torah, to put effort into Torah, and to fulfill the mitzvos. The Torah promises that when we do so, Hashem will provide all blessings — rain, sustenance, and everything we need both materially and spiritually.

Amen.