In this weeks Torah reading, Bechukotai, after stating that if you follow G-d’s statutes and observe His commandments G-d will grant you prosperity, security, and peace, the Torah adds that G-d will also, “turn towards you,” and grant you additional blessings as well.
Rashi comments on the words, “I will turn towards you” and interprets this to mean, “I will turn away from all My preoccupations to pay your reward.” The expression, “I will turn away from all My preoccupations”—not “from My other preoccupations,” but from “My preoccupations” in general—implies that the payment of additional reward described here is not among G-d’s preoccupations or chores. So what is it?
Your True Self
In addition, the placement of this promise after the verse has already enumerated some of G-d’s other promised rewards implies that there are two degrees of reward promised here: the earlier blessings are indeed among G-d’s preoccupations, while the latter blessings are not. What does this mean?
The term “(My) preoccupations,” or עסקי in Hebrew, denotes chores and tasks that occupy your mind but are essentially “outside of you,” imposing on and distracting from your internal desires and interests. These “preoccupations” represent a descent from your truest and most natural self. In contrast, “turning away from all your preoccupations,” toward something else, means that you are now concentrating on an expression of your truest self—the essence of who you are.
Two Degrees of Reward
We can now understand the two degrees of reward that G-d promises for toiling in Torah study and observing His commandments. One degree of reward is for fulfilling the mitzvot to the extent required of you; the other is for devoting yourself to the fulfillment of G-d’s will beyond what the law requires. By going beyond the law’s demands, such as by toiling in the study of Torah more than is required, you demonstrate that this in not just a duty or chore, but your truest passion and desire. Commensurately, G-d’s reward for such devotion emanates not from a level of Divinity that is a “descent” from His essence—analogous to a “preoccupation” or “chore”—as do the blessings enumerated in the earlier verses here, but from the Divine essence itself!
From the teachings of the Rebbe, from Likutei Sichot, vol. 17, pp. 324-329; reprinted from Ohr HaChassidus
If ("Im") you will walk in My statutes (Leviticus 26:3)
"The word 'im' ('if') is used to imply pleading and entreaty," the Gemara states, teaching us that G-d pleads, as it were, with each and every Jew: "Please walk in My statutes! Please keep My mitzvot!" G-d's request also endows us with the strength to overcome all difficulties that might stand in the way of observing Torah and mitzvot. (HaYom Yom)
As Rashi notes, this means that G-d wants a Jew to expend effort and labor in his Torah study. Commented Rabbi Avraham of Sochetchov: there are many ways to serve the Creator, but the best one of all is through studying Torah.
And I will remember My covenant with Jacob (Lev. 26:42)
Why, asked Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, does the Torah suddenly bring up the merit of our Patriarchs in the middle of a lengthy reproof? Because, he explained, there is no greater reprimand than to point out that we are not behaving as befits the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
If you will walk in My statutes (Lev. 26:3)
How do we walk in G-d's statutes, asks Rashi. By studying His Torah, he concludes. Rabbi David of Kotsk once commented on the verse, "you should believe when one tells you, 'I have toiled and I have succeeded.'" He explained: something a person achieves by dint of his own labor will endure, but something acquired too easily will not last. Just as effortlessly as it was won will it disappear. That is why our Sages urge us to toil night and day in our Torah study—so our learning and knowledge will be retained. (Mishnat Yisrael)
If you will walk in My statutes (Lev. 26:3)
A yeshiva student once came to the Chafetz Chaim and poured out his heart. "Year after year I sit and learn, but I just don't get anywhere in my studies! After all this time I have yet to understand even one page of the Talmud properly!" The Chafetz Chaim replied: "G-d did not command us to be geniuses. He only commanded us to toil in the study of His holy Torah, whether or not we ever become great scholars..."
