This week we read the two portions of Behar and Bechukotai combined together. The portions share a very common theme, and actually reinforce each other.
Behar, which means “on the mountain,” refers to Mount Sinai, “known as the smallest of all mountains.”
The Talmud tells us that when G‑d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, there was a debate among the mountains, each one vying for the coveted spot from which the Torah would be given. Mount Sinai was chosen because it was smallest of all mountains. But if G‑d wanted to emphasize humility, why did he give the Torah on a mountain? He should have given it in a valley, or on the plains.
The answer is that both values are necessary.
To live openly a proud jew requires the fortitude of a mountain, a certain sense of conviction and backbone, regardless of the reactions and practices of our friends and neighbors.
But be a humble mountain. Humble in your recognition that your strength comes from G‑d. Your life’s value is not about your image, it’s about your higher calling. Don’t measure yourself against the standards set by your neighbors; measure yourself against your soul’s potential.
This teaches us about modesty and pride: A very strong personality can have an unassuming nature only by realizing that talents, genius and skill come directly from G‑d. The Code of Jewish Law opens with the following bit of advice: “Don’t be intimidated by the scoffers.” Without self-confidence, it’s going be awfully hard to be a committed Jew.
This ties into the theme of the Parshah of Bechukotai. The Hebrew word chukim, from which the name of portion is derived, is often translated as “statutes,” referring to those commandments whose explanations defy mortal logic. The Kabbalists explain that the word is related to chakikah, which means “engraving.”
Our relationship to G‑d’s commandments cannot be like words that are written on parchment, as the parchment and ink are two separate entities. Our goal has to be to relate to G‑d’s will like letters etched in stone: the lettering and stone are one unified entity. When we sense this unity, and truly bond with G‑d, we cannot help but be humbled.
With heartfelt prayers for a happy and healthy Shabbat for all,
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Shlomo Zarchi