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Why does 'Im bechukosai telechu' refer to Torah (תורה) toiling rather than simply observing statutes? The shiur develops a yesod distinguishing two aspects of Torah SheBaal Peh: amelut baTorah (self-nullifying toil) connected to Rachamim, and creative Torah insights connected to Din. This explains why Bechukosai's tochacha differs from Ki Savo's and why each is read before different yamim tovim.
This shiur provides a deep analysis of the opening verse of Parashat Bechukosai, specifically addressing Rashi (רש"י)'s interpretation that 'Im bechukosai telechu' refers to being 'amelim baTorah' (toiling in Torah (תורה)). The Rav begins by questioning the connection between 'chukotai' (statutes) and Torah study, noting that chukim are typically mitzvos like any others. The analysis reveals that the word 'chok' appears throughout Torah wherever there's potential for idol worship or where mitzvos resemble idolatrous practices. The Ramban (רמב"ן) explains that chok represents the divine boundary preventing holy practices from devolving into self-serving worship. This creates a profound parallel: just as idol worship represents the ultimate expression of ego and self-deification, Torah study contains the same potential danger if pursued for personal aggrandizement rather than divine service.
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Parshas Bechukotai 26:3
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