* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha and Rashi's commentary. Parshat Behar/Bechukotai For the week ending 26 Iyar 5761 / May 18 & 19, 2001 ===================================== It is with great sorrow that we mourn the tragic murder of Yaakov (Kobi) Mandell z"l On behalf of the entire Ohr Somayach family we extend our condolences to our beloved alumnus, colleague and friend Rabbi and Mrs. Seth Mandell and their entire family. "May Hashem console you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem" ===================================== BEHAR BECHUKOTAI Parsha Questions Behar 1. If one possesses shemita food after it is no longer available in the field, what must he do with it? 2. From where does the yovel year get its name? 3. What prohibitions are derived from the verse "v'lo tonu ish et amito -- a person shall not afflict his fellow"? 4. If a home in a walled city is sold, when can it be redeemed? 5. What does the word "days" mean in this week's Parsha? 6. What is considered a walled city? 7. To what is one who leaves Eretz Yisrael compared? 8. Why does Rashi mention the plague of the firstborn in this week's Parsha? 9. List three prohibitions which demonstrate the dignity with which one must treat a Jewish indentured servant. 10. Where is it permitted to prostrate oneself on a stone floor? Bechukotai 1. To what do the words "bechukotai telechu" refer? 2. When is rain "in its season"? 3. What is meant by "you shall eat your bread to satisfaction"? 4. What is meant by "and a sword will not pass through your land?" 5. Which progression of seven transgressions are taught in Chapter 26, and why in that particular order? 6. What is one benefit which the Jewish People derive from the Land of Israel's state of ruin? 7. What positive element is implied by the words "and I will bring them into the land of their enemies?" 8. In verse 26:42, why is the word "remember" not used in connection with the name of Yitzchak? 9. What happens when a poor person dedicates the value of a person to the Beit Hamikdash and doesn't have sufficient funds to fulfill his vow? 10. Where must "ma'aser sheini" be eaten? ================================= Kasha Parshat Bechukotai starts with ten verses describing blessings that result from Torah study and observance. Then, more than thirty verses describe the curses brought about by laxity in Torah study and observance. Why do there seem to be more curses than blessings? Doesn't this contradict the principle that G-d always rewards in greater measure than He punishes? Answer: The blessings are written in general terms; each one is really an entire category and includes many blessings. Each curse, on the other hand, is spelled out in detail (in order to inspire fear and alarm). In reality, though, there are more blessings than curses. Ibn Ezra ================================= I Did Not Know That! "And five of you will pursue a hundred [enemy soldiers]." (26:8) This refers to our weakest soldiers; when we do the will of Hashem our weakest soldier will be able to defeat twenty enemies. Our strongest soldier will be able to defeat a thousand or more. Ohr HaChaim Hakadosh, based on Torat Kohanim ================================= Recommended Reading List Behar Ramban 25:3 First Six Years 25:9 Two Kinds of "Shofar" 25:10 The Word "Yovel" 25:20 Three Year Blessing 25:23 Ban on Perpetual Sale 25:36 Two Kinds of Usury 26:1 Commitment in Hostile Environment Sefer Hachinuch 330 Counting until Yovel 331 Call of the Shofar 337 Unfair Profit 342 National Land 343 Usury Sforno 25:4 "A Shabbat to Hashem" Bechukotai Ramban 26:6 Taming of Wild Animals 26:11 Theology of Medicine 26:12 Promise for the Future 26:16 Analysis of Jewish History Sefer Hachinuch 350 Dedicating One's Value 352 Switching Korbanot 360 Animal Tithes ================================= Answers to this Week's Questions Behar 1. If one possesses shemita food after it is no longer available in the field, what must he do with it? 25:7 - Remove it from his property and declare it ownerless. 2. From where does the yovel year get its name? 25:10 - From the sounding of the shofar. A ram's horn is called a yovel. 3. What prohibitions are derived from the verse "v'lo tonu ish et amito -- a person shall not afflict his fellow"? 25:17 - One may not intentionally hurt people's feelings, nor give bad advice while secretly intending to reap benefit. 4. If a home in a walled city is sold, when can it be redeemed? 25:29 - Only within the first year after the sale. 5. What does the word "days" mean in this week's Parsha? 25:29 - The days of an entire year. 6. What is considered a walled city? 25:29 - A city surrounded by a wall since the time of Yehoshua. 7. To what is one who leaves Eretz Yisrael compared? 25:38 - To one who worships idols. 8. Why does Rashi mention the plague of the firstborn in this week's Parsha? 25:38 - The prohibition against taking interest is accompanied by the phrase, "I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Egypt." Rashi explains that just as Hashem discerned in Egypt between those who were firstborn and those who were not, so too will Hashem discern and punish those who lend with interest, pretending they are acting on behalf of others. 9. List three prohibitions which demonstrate the dignity with which one must treat a Jewish indentured servant. 25:39-43 - a) Do not make him perform humiliating tasks; b) Do not sell him publicly; c) Do not make him perform unnecessary jobs. 10. Where is it permitted to prostrate oneself on a stone floor? 26:1 - In the Mikdash. Bechukotai 1. To what do the words "bechukotai telechu" refer? 26:3 - Laboring in the study of Torah. 2. When is rain "in its season"? 26:4 - At times when people are not outside (e.g., Shabbat nights). 3. What is meant by "you shall eat your bread to satisfaction"? 26:5 - You will only require a little bread to be completely satisfied. 4. What is meant by "and a sword will not pass through your land?" 26:6 - No foreign army will travel through your land even on their way to a different country. 5. Which progression of seven transgressions are taught in Chapter 26, and why in that particular order? 26:14,15 - Not studying Torah, not observing mitzvot, rejecting those who observe mitzvot, hating Sages, preventing others from observing mitzvot, denying that Hashem gave the mitzvot, denying the existence of Hashem. They are listed in this order because each transgression leads to the next. 6. What is one benefit which the Jewish People derive from the Land of Israel's state of ruin? 26:32 - No enemy nation will be able to settle in the Land of Israel. 7. What positive element is implied by the words "and I will bring them into the land of their enemies?" 26:41 - Hashem Himself, so to speak, will bring them into their enemies' land. This means that even when the Jews are in exile, Hashem will supply them with leaders who inspire them to keep the Torah. This guards the Jews from assimilating into the host culture. 8. In verse 26:42, why is the word "remember" not used in connection with the name of Yitzchak? 26:42 - Because the image of Yitzchak's ashes (Yitzchak was prepared to be brought as an offering) upon the altar is always before Hashem. 9. What happens when a poor person dedicates the value of a person to the Beit Hamikdash and doesn't have sufficient funds to fulfill his vow? 27:8 - The person whose value was donated goes before the kohen, who sets the obligation according to the poor person's ability to pay. 10. Where must "ma'aser sheini" be eaten? 27:30 - In Jerusalem. 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