All one needs to do in order to understand that our actions can have an impact upon the planet is to pick up a newspaper, read the internet, or watch a television show that discusses the impending calamities that will hit planet Earth if we do not change our carbon imprint. We are told that climate change will continue to increase the intensity of storms world-wide, raise sea levels as glaciers melt, cause severe droughts in parts of the world where food might have once been plentiful. We are warned that conflict will break out between nations that are competing for food for their citizens. In addition, increased urbanization will take its toll as increased pavement will not allow water to infiltrate our aquifers thus decreasing the availability of potable water available to Earth's inhabitants. The reports we have been hearing are certainly admonitions about the direct correlation that our actions will have on the natural order of the world.
This week's Torah reading, Bechukotai,, also presents a list of curses that will occur if we do not live according to a set of rules that we have been given through our covenant with G-d as well as a list of blessings that will occur if we do. Yet, I would venture to say, that most of us would probably approach this text by feeling there can't be a correlation between our actions and what happens in the world. Afterall, we know just by looking at our own lives and at the lives of others with whom we are familiar, that there are righteous individuals who suffer and evil individuals who thrive. How can we make sense of the message of Bechukotai in relation to what we perceive as the way the world operates?
These are the thoughts and questions that came to my mind as I read this parasha:
First, the beginning sentence is quite significant. It starts with the words IM BECHUKOTAI TAYLAYCHU...If in my statutes you walk. The word "if" indicates that we do have a choice about the behaviors we pursue in this world. We are not merely asked to passively accept G-d's statutes, but to walk in them...we must be active if we are to change this world in a positive way.
Second, I read a midrash that commented on the fear that many have about the curses far outweighing the blessings in this portion. In fact if you count them, there are only 11 blessings and 39 curses. The midrash states:
[We are concerned that] men should not say: Our Master Moses blessed us little but cursed us abundantly. How so? In Leviticus there are thirty-nine curses but only eleven blessings. Rabbi Shmuel said: The student will find more blessings than curses. How so? The blessings begin with the letter alef – Im b’hukotai telechu and end with the letter tav – va’olech Etchem komimiut (Leviticus 26:13), signifying that alef to tav (A to Z) blessings will reach you. The curses, on the other hand, begin with vav…and end with heh (Leviticus 26:43) and there is nothing between vav and heh. (Midrash Tanhuma, Re’eh 4)
Yes, I think we can all think of times when we feel as if life is filled with adversity, challenges, and maybe even curses. But if we look at life carefully, can we also see the blessings inherent in it? What is our perception of life? Can we see the blessings that often are derived from life's challenges?
Third, what happens when large groups of individuals decide to pursue justice and treat others as they wish to be treated? What is the effect on society in general? Do you believe that social consciousness can create a different atmosphere in society? Is that part of the blessing that occurs when we follow in the path that the Torah advocates?
Fourth, isn't this passage a bit like hearing the words of a parent who wants what is best for his/her child? Perhaps we don't use such strong language with our own kids, but we do provide them with an understanding of their responsibilities in life. Of course they can choose to ignore us, but we try to let them know that harmful things might happen as a result of bad decisions. Running with the wrong crowd can change a life, experimenting with the wrong chemicals can impact a future, and not striving to learn can leave one's options limited. Our warnings aren't designed to invoke fear, just to express our best hopes and desires for our children. We want them to live lives that are balanced and healthy. Perhaps that is also a theme of the tochecha, the admonitions.
And finally, doesn't this section also tie into the Jewish vision of the future for mankind? Don't we talk about surrounding ourselves by a world of individuals who will one day adhere to the principle that G-d is one and G-d's name is one. Don't we see such a time whether we call it the time of the Mashiach or the Messianic Age as a time of great blessing for the whole world...a time when we will not have to fear our enemies, when war and bloodshed will cease. This Jewish view of the future is not that it will be an undeserved gift, but a blessing given to us for the righteous behaviors that will multiply over time.
This parasha can speak to us on many levels....it is worth reading again to determine how it fits into your world view.
Shabbat Shalom.
Nancy
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