Torah and Tea 5779 – The Meaning of Physical Blessings in Parshas Bechukosai
1. Introduction: Blessings and Curses in Bechukosai
This week’s parsha, Bechukosai—“in My statutes”—opens with a series of strong blessings for those who follow the Torah, followed by a lengthy section of curses and punishments for those who do not. In this shiur, we will focus on the beginning of the parsha and the nature of these blessings. Drawing from a Sicha—a talk—of the Rebbe in volume 37 on Parshas Bechukosai, we will explore the concept of doing mitzvos—commandments—for reward, especially since most rewards described here are very physical. We will also discuss the Messianic era, when there is an emphasis on physical abundance and pleasure, and consider why Torah seems to stress material reward rather than spiritual.
The Rebbe’s central point is that true blessings of Torah are realized when they manifest physically, not just spiritually. If reward remains only spiritual, it has not fully penetrated every aspect of our being. When physicality itself is transformed by Torah, it shows that Torah has become our essence.
2. The Nature of Physical Blessings: Insights from Chazal
The parsha begins: im bechukosai teileichu u’mitzvosai tishmoru—if you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments—then venasna ha’aretz yevulah, the earth will yield its produce. The Toras Kohanim, a foundational midrashic commentary on Vayikra, explains that this produce is not like what we experience today but will be miraculous, as in the days of Adam HaRishon. In those times, planting and harvesting happened instantly—you would plant a seed or tree and see fruit that very day.
This miraculous abundance is expected to be fully realized in the future era: trees will bear fruit immediately upon planting, and even non-fruit-bearing trees will produce fruit. Furthermore, not only will we eat the fruit but also the tree itself—eitz pri—a tree that is itself edible. These wonders reflect a time when nature operates at an accelerated pace due to heightened spiritual connection.
A question arises: Will these miracles occur only in Eretz Yisrael or throughout the world? There is debate among commentators. In the initial stage of Mashiach’s arrival, things may remain natural and localized to Israel; later, miracles will expand globally as Israel’s borders extend.
3. Miraculous Abundance and Its Purpose in Messianic Times
The Gemara describes further wonders: pastries and silk garments growing from the ground, wheat as tall as palm trees or as large as ox kidneys—a clear sign of physical abundance. Yet Chazal teach that in the days of Mashiach, humanity’s main occupation will be knowledge of Hashem: “The world will be filled with knowledge of God as water covers the sea.”
If so, why emphasize material miracles? The Rambam writes that delicacies will be as common as dust—not just plentiful but insignificant. The Rebbe explains this means physical pleasures will lose their importance because everyone’s focus will shift to spiritual pursuits.
Nevertheless, not everyone can immediately serve Hashem without thought for reward. For many people (and especially children), motivation begins with tangible incentives before progressing to higher intentions.
4. Why Does Torah Emphasize Physical Reward?
The Rebbe addresses why Torah speaks at length about physical rewards if ultimate reward is spiritual closeness to Hashem. Some commentators (like Abarbanel based on Rambam) say these verses are not about reward per se but about removing obstacles so we can serve Hashem peacefully—the true reward being spiritual.
Others maintain these blessings are indeed rewards for mitzvah observance. Most people need some form of motivation to serve Hashem; thus Torah speaks “b’lashon bnei adam,” in human terms most can relate to—physical benefit.
The Mishnah teaches: “Do not be like servants who serve their master for reward,” yet many cannot reach this level immediately. Even great sages recognized that people begin their service with thoughts of reward before maturing into purer motivations.
5. The Deeper Meaning of ‘Chok’—Engraving Torah Into Our Essence
The word bechukosai—“My statutes”—carries deeper meaning beyond its usual sense as laws without rational explanation (chok). Chassidus teaches that chok also means “engraved.”
Rashi explains that bechukosai teileichu refers to laboring intensely in Torah study until it becomes engraved within us—a part of our very being rather than something external like ink on parchment.
This level is achieved when one’s entire existence becomes unified with Torah so completely that there is no separation between self and learning—a total internalization where Torah permeates every aspect of life.
6. When Spirituality Penetrates Physicality: The True Test
The ultimate proof that Torah is our life force (ki chayeinu v’orech yameinu hi) comes when its influence reaches even our most mundane activities and needs. Just as true joy or pain expresses itself throughout one’s entire body down to one’s feet (not just intellect or emotion), so too does genuine connection to Torah manifest physically.
If learning Torah only resulted in spiritual benefits, it would indicate a limited impact—a compartmentalized existence where spirituality does not fully penetrate physicality. But when rain falls in its season and crops flourish because of mitzvah observance, it demonstrates that Torah has become our essence through-and-through.
This reflects how Hashem channels all blessing through Torah: our existence becomes bound up with Divine vitality via engagement with His wisdom and commandments.
7. Why Physical Reward Is Delayed Today but Immediate in the Future
Currently there remains a gap between spiritual cause (Torah/mitzvos) and physical effect (blessing). Although Hashem decrees sustenance on Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, it may take time for those blessings to materialize physically due to imperfections in creation since Adam HaRishon’s sin.
This delay exists because today’s world isn’t yet fully receptive to spirituality—the pipeline from Above gets blocked or slowed down before reaching us physically.
In contrast, when Mashiach comes there will be no such interruption: physicality itself will become transparent to its source in holiness so that blessing flows instantly from action to result without obstruction.
8. Engraving Through-and-Through: Lessons from the Luchos
The Luchos (Tablets) were engraved all the way through from one side to another—a miracle described by Chazal where even letters like samech, which are closed circles, stood miraculously within stone without support.
This symbolizes complete penetration: sometimes something may appear engraved but doesn’t go all the way through (just surface-deep). True internalization means becoming entirely permeated by holiness so there is no separation between inside and outside.
This parallels how full integration with Torah results in immediate manifestation even physically during Messianic times—a total unity between spiritual source and material expression.
9. The Impact on Others: Kiddush Hashem Through Material Success
The visible success and well-being enjoyed by those who live according to Torah serves as a powerful testimony for others (Kiddush Hashem). When people see observant Jews enjoying both spiritual fulfillment and material blessing, it demonstrates that serving Hashem brings wholeness in every dimension.
This was seen with Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov—despite their struggles they ultimately attained both spiritual greatness and material prosperity.
Similarly among Chabad Rebbes such as Rebbe Maharash (Rebbe Shmuel) who conducted himself regally despite criticism because he understood wealth too could be used for holiness if properly directed.
10. Conclusion: Following Hashem’s Roadmap Brings Complete Goodness
The lesson for us is clear: if we follow Hashem’s roadmap—b’chukosai teileichu, walking steadfastly in His statutes—we are assured both spiritual elevation and all necessary material good.
Even if our initial motivation involves seeking reward or comfort—physical or otherwise—the process itself draws us closer until eventually both body and soul are transformed by Divine connection.
May we merit soon to see this unity revealed openly with all blessings—spiritual and physical—manifested together speedily in our days!