Parshas Bechukosai – by Rabbi Avrohom Kahn

          “If you follow My decrees and observe My commandments and perform them,”

                                                                                                    [Vayikra 26:3]

          Rashi explains: “observe My commandments” refers to fulfilling the commandments of   the Torah.  If so, what are “My decrees? This means: we must toil in Torah study.”

Question:

            Learning Torah is only one of the 613 commandments.  If “decrees” refers to Torah study, why is it written in the plural?

Answer:

            The explanation is as follows: toiling in Torah is far more than one commandment; it is the basis for succeeding in Divine service.  Even our observance and fulfillment of all the other commandments would be insufficient if not accompanied by a commitment to Torah study.

          This is why Torah study is written in the plural as “My decrees.” True it is technically one commandment, but it is a necessary and integral component of all Divine service.

          The next comment by Rashi makes this point.  He explains: “the verse comes to teach us to toil in Torah in order to properly observe and fulfill the commandments.”  What needs clarification is: If the purpose of Torah study is simply to be knowledgeable enough to be able to perform the commandments, why does the verse require us to “toil?” The word “toil” seems to suggest something more than just knowledge.

          This relates to what we said above.  Toiling in Torah is not only a commandment, but it serves as the basis for success in Divine service.  To be a great servant of G-d, it is not enough to learn in order to know the details and technical requirements of how to fulfill G-d’s commandments.  Toiling in the study of G-d’s Torah is our most powerful medium to connect with Him. G-d is talking to us through the Torah and by toiling in the study of Torah we converse with Him.

          When one toils in the study of Torah and thereby converses with the Almighty, the commandments and all of Jewish life’s service, naturally take on a new and greater meaning as well.

          We should all learn from this. One must struggle to comprehend and connect to the Torah to the best of one’s ability because by doing so we connect to the Almighty Himself.

          Have a wonderful Shabbos.