Bechukosai

In Parshas Bechukosai and Parshas Ki Savo there are pesukim of tochacha called klalos. The Gemara explains that in Bechukosai the tochacha was said in lashon rabim, whereas in Ki Savo it was said in lashon yachid. For example, in Bechukosai the pesukim use a lashon of אתכם- the plural you, whereas in Ki Savo it says בך- the singular you.  Also in Bechukosai, Moshe Rabeinu quoted from Hashem’s mouth, whereas in Ki Savo Moshe said the tochacha by himself. For example, in Bechukosai, Moshe said ונתתי, ושלחתי “and I will hit” “and I will send.” In Ki Savo Moshe said יככה ה’ “Hashem will hit.” In Bechukosai Moshe was speaking as a messenger from Hashem, whereas in Ki Savo Moshe was speaking from himself saying that if a person does aveiros Hashem will give him punishment.

The Maharsha explains that one will heed more to klalos which were said to everyone than to those that were said to the individual.  Also, one will pay more attention to klalos that Hashem said directly than the ones Moshe said (although Moshe’s words were Ruach HaKodesh!)

Since the klalos in Bechukosai are more chamur, the din is to not stop during those klalos. This is so one isn’t mevareich on them or so one shouldn’t show that he is unhappy with the mussar by stopping in the middle. The klalos in Ki Savo are not as chamur and therefore a bracha can be made over them and we can stop during those klalos.

The Biyur Halacha brings that there were places during the weeks of the tochacha that skipped leining. He compares this to a person who was warned by his friends not to travel on a certain path as it was full of ditches and pot holes. The person responded, “I’m not afraid. I have a thick blindfold which I’ll wear so I won’t see the ditches and pot holes. Even if I fall no one will laugh at me because my eyes were covered and therefore I couldn’t see.” The Biyur Halacha says: Is there any greater foolishness than this? On the contrary, closing his eyes will cause him to fall and be hurt.

May Hashem help us pay attention to the tochacha and bring us to serve Him completely!