5786/2026
Parashat BeChukotai begins with the words: “If you will walk in the ways of My laws, and observe My Mitzvot and perform them, then I will send you rain in the proper time.” The message is that Hashem will reward us for performing the mitzvot. So why does the Torah have to tell us about us to “walk in the ways of My laws”? Why can it just say to perform the Mitzvot? According to commentaries, “walking in the ways of my law,” refers to learning Torah. To “walk” in something means to dive deep into its hidden meanings. In order to fully appreciate a Mitzvah, you must study the Peshat, as well as the deep spiritual meaning. The Zohar attempts to explain the meaning of each Mitzvah, which may help you connect with Hashem. So the best way to perform a Mitzvah is to understand it deeply.
Another question comes from the verse: What is the difference between Lishmor and La’asot? Before performing a Mitzvah, someone should gain awareness of the Mitzvah he is about to perform. This is having kavana, just as the Arizal said a Tefilah to focus his mind on the mitzvah he was about to do. Everyone can find their own way to gain awareness before performing the Mitzvah. When someone has studied the spiritual meaning of the Mitzvah and took the time to gain awareness of it, then he can perform it in the best and most spiritual way.