Parshas Behar- The Infinity of Torah
“Why do we learn Gemara? It’s not practical! We should only learn halacha and mussar. Then we will know what we need to perform, and the appropriate ways to behave.” This is a sentiment that I, and many others, have heard many a time. On a superficial level, the argument may appear compelling. However, upon further analysis, it is completely unreasonable. This week’s Parsha teaches us the proper retort to refute such a claim.
Parshas Behar discusses the laws of Shemitta and Yovel. Every seventh and fiftieth year of the cycle, certain laws govern the involvements with agriculture and its accessories. Amongst other rules, it is prohibited to develop the land, and the fruits possess a unique level of sanctity. The introductory verse (25:1) states that this mitzvah of Shemitta was given to Moshe on Har Sinai. Rashi (quoting the Midrash) explains that this fact is important. Just as Shemitta was taught to Moshe on Sinai in its every fine detail, so too in regards to the rest of the mitzvos. The details of all of the mitzvos were taught to Moshe on Har Sinai. Rashi clarifies that we know Shemitta was taught on Sinai, as it is not mentioned in Devarim, when the Jews stood in the plains of Maov.
The Torah could have chosen many mitzvos to illustrate this principle. Why did the Torah utilize Shemitta in particular, to deduce the fact that all the mitzvos were taught, in their every aspect, on Sinai? What does using Shemitta as the source for this teaching imply about the rest of the mitzvos?
Furthermore, the Midrah states that every detail was specifically taught on Sinai. The different aspects of mitzvos could have been taught to Moshe throughout the forty-year sojourn. What are we to learn from the fact that all details were given on Har Sinai?
Finally, receiving the Torah, was arguably the most important event in Jewish history. It represented our unique status in the world, and our connection with Hashem. It would be most appropriate that this monumental occasion occur in Yerushalayim, or at least, in the Land of Israel. Yet, Hashem decided to give the Torah to the Jewish people on a mountain, outside of Eretz HaKodesh. What can we derive from this seemingly illogical choice of location?
Had Hashem given the Jews the Torah in our Holy Land, one might incorrectly conclude that it exists and is to be valued in such a location. In a place of tremendous kedusha, Eretz Yisrael, the laws and statutes of the Torah are binding. However, when living outside of Israel, perhaps its rules and codes lose validity. Hashem chose to deliver our greatest treasure to us, in a barren wasteland, outside of Israel. Even in a foreign, far-off location, Torah is to be considered equally important.
The laws of Shemitta were not applicable for over fifty years following matan Torah. It was only after conquering and dividing the land, that the cycle of Shemitta began. Yet, Hashem taught Moshe the mitzvah of Shemitta in its every detail on Har Sinai. This mitzvah was necessary to know, in its entirety, prior to its actual practicing. Similarly, every mitzvah of the Holy Torah was taught in their full glory on Mt. Sinai. Whether fully applicable at the time or not, they were important to study, absorb, and practice.
It emerges, that the events of matan Torah highlight the ever-lasting importance of all aspects of the mitzvos, regardless of location. Certainty, there are mitzvos that cannot be fully practiced today. However, it is integral to study and absorb the different parts of these, as well. Every mitzvah has countless lessons and depths that are entirely applicable, regardless of the point in history. Furthermore, the analysis of the teachings of the Torah, provide us with the correct perspective. A Jew is to incorporate and develop the mindset and focus, as dictated by the Torah. This is of particular importance when living in a world far removed from basic concepts of morality, truth, and reality.
We study Gemara to understand the ways our great Rabbi’s thought. Analyzing their conversations, stories, and lives, allows us to develop da’as Torah. Certainly, this allows us to ultimately glean and conclude the correct practices we are to perform. However, in addition, it provides us with the correct mentality to guide ourselves with, and to be able to think as a Jew.
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