Parshat Hashavua Rabbi Michael Laitner If you have comments please feel free to e-mail Rabbi Laitner at: michael@southhampstead.org

‘If you will go with my chukim and you will observe my mitzvot…’ (Vayikra / Leviticus 26:4)
 
This pasuk (verse), at the start of our Sidra (weekly Torah reading), introduces the covenants which are described in the Sidra.
 
We have studied meanings of the words chukim and mitzvot on previous occasions and so will not discuss those meanings here.  Instead, we’ll examine what the difference is between the two phrases that comprise this part of the pasuk – (a) if you will go with my chukim and (b) and you will observe my mitzvot.
 
Rashi (the premier Torah commentator) famously comments that ‘if you will go with my chukim’ refers to ameilut ba’Torah, which we might best explain as meaning as an attitude of commitment best referred to as ‘serious activity in Torah’. 
 
As we have discussed previously, the word ‘chukim’ can refer to something done regularly.  This idea may be one of the links that Rashi finds between the word ‘chukim’ and ‘activity in Torah’ since the observance of Torah is something that occurs regularly every day and requires activity. 
 
We have also discussed the meaning of the word ‘Torah’ and its plural ‘Torot’ on previous occasions (i.e. ’Torah’ does not mean a Torah scroll in every context that the word ‘Torah’ is used).  The word ‘Torot’ occurs later on in the Sidra so if you are interested in this idea, consider the possible meanings of ‘Torot’ when you see it used.
 
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, one of the greats of the 20th century Rabbinate, presents a significant conceptual ramification of Rashi’s comment.  Rabbi Feinstein writes that the activity in the performance of any Mitzva (which is the most encompassing definition of the word ‘Torah’ in our context), be it study or practically based, must demonstrate clearly that the activity is being performed for the sake of the Mitzva.  As we have discussed previously, Jewish law is pro-active and prescriptive in many circumstances giving us a defined, structured, meaningful path for our daily activities. 
 
Rabbi Feinstein writes that we should strive for excellence in the activities we perform.  This can come either through effort when required or simply demonstrating the seriousness of a mitzva, such the mitzva of charity even in a situation when little effort is required.  This is the ameilut, the seriousness of activity that Rashi seems to refer to.
 
Therefore, Rashi writes that we need to show serious activity to fulfil ‘if you will go with my chukim’, to show that wherever we ‘go’, we need to show a seriousness of purpose and strive for excellence.  We also need to show that we fulfil mitzvot because they are part of the Torah’s path and not for other reasons that are inappropriate motivators.
 
 

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