QUESTION: We find the Rabbis in the Gemara, seemingly “cursing” another and later it is interpreted as a blessing. Why not just say a blessing in the first place?
ANSWER: Curses in the Torah (like this week’s parsha) and from the Rabbis, are in fact blessings, even wonderful blessings. However, since the source is so “high” (not apparent) the blessing must be enclothed in the opposite manner (like a curse) since not able to be received currently by us in the revealed format.
לקוטי שיחות כרך א עמ' 287
QUESTION: Why does the Torah allude to the concept of learning Torah (using intellect) with חוקים (beyond intellect)?
ANSWER: חקיקה – engraving’s advantage over written letters is that they are not an independent entity, but an integrated part of the whole. Study of Torah needs labor until engraved. If one learns Torah with commitment of Kabolas Ol (Chukim), then one is rewarded with potential to “progress” further.
לקוטי שיחות כרך ג, עמ' 1013
QUESTION: What does the last two Mitzvos (Bechor and Maaser) of the Parsha and of Sefer VaYikra teach us?
ANSWER: Mitzvah of Bechor is an inherent holiness that comes from high. This represents the inspiration from Above that seeks to motivate our service below. The Mitzvah of Maaser is accomplished by the service of Jews in this world, indicating the inspiration from below. Our service utilizes both sources; however, everything goes after the conclusion (Maaser) that our avodah in this world is primary.
לקוטי שיחות כרך יז, עמ' 323
QUESTION: Verbal expressions of Vidui without complete Teshuvah, does not affect a personal or a communal redemption. Does such a Vidui have any value?
ANSWER: Verbal expressions (Vidui) even without Teshuvah, still has effects:
1. Outward expression brings out the feelings of Teshuvah that are in the heart and thoughts of the person
2. Extra push to complete the process of Teshuvah in the person that is in the midst of Teshuvah
3. Reminder of past deeds triggers Teshuvah (due to dichotomy between speech & the heart)
A declaration of Teshuvah might not be sincere, nevertheless, it is not worthless, since it will ultimately lead to complete Teshuvah
לקוטי שיחות כרך כז, עמ' 207
QUESTION: Why the stress on physical rewards in our Parsha (isn’t spiritual the main area of reward)?
ANSWER: Stress on physical rewards in this Parsha emphasizes that the rewards are a direct consequence of our actions, and they happen to our physical and spiritual lives. Physical rewards express the desirability of Torah and Mitzvos that effuses blessings also to our physical lives.
לקוטי שיחות כרך לז, עמ' 741
