Before Hashem gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He sent an angel to offer it to the other nations of the world. When the angel of Hashem offered it to the nation of Eisuv, they asked, “what is written in the Torah”? The angel answered, "Do not kill". Eisav’s response was that if that was the case, they could not accept it, as murder was in their very nature and they would surely commit this sin often. The angel then went to the nation of Yishmael to offer the Torah. When Yishmael asked what was written in the Torah, the angel answered "do not steal". Yishmael responded in a fashion similar to that of Eisuv, stating that it was in his very nature to steal and therefore he could not accept the Torah (Midrash).
The prohibition to kill and steal are from the Sheva Mitzvos Binei Noach (the 7 Noahide laws), meaning that even those who do not have the Torah, must adhere to them. If they had to keep these laws either way, why didn't they accept it? What was their argument?
In Parshas Bechukosai, Hashem tells us that if we adhere to the Torah we will receive an abundance of material blessings, including rain, an abundance of food, etc.
The Mishna in Pirkei Avos states that if one experienced all of the worldly blessings combined, it wouldn't be nearly as satisfying as even one moment of pleasure in the World to Come. Therefore, our reward for fulfilling the Torah is NOT given in this world, but rather the full blessing is saved for us to enjoy in the World to Come (where we can experience its full effect) 1. The blessings detailed in our Parsha, however, are rain, an abundance of food, etc, which are blessings in THIS world. How are we to understand this apparent contradiction?
Additionally, why are we even told about these rewards in the first place? We are taught that we are supposed to do mitzvos for the pure sake of serving Hashem and not for the sake of reward. (In fact, it is partly because of this that the World to Come - our true reward - is not talked about directly in the Torah, and is rather only referred to through hints). If so, why is Hashem informing us about the rewards we will receive in this world in detail, if our actions are not supposed to be motivated by them?
Torah = Blessing
The Nesivos Shalom explains that the worldly blessings we are promised in our Parsha are indeed not a REWARD for our fulfilling the Torah and living by its laws; it is the natural CONSEQUENCE of doing so. The Midrash relates that the Torah was the very "blueprint" for the world's construction (“Histakul Bi’oraysa Uboro Alma”). In essence, the Torah is the world's POWER SOURCE. Only when we adhere to the Torah properly, does the world function the way it was meant to - i.e: there will be an abundance of rain, there won't be any natural disasters or war, and everything in creation will co-exist in perfect harmony. However, if the Torah is not adhered to properly, the world in essence "falls apart at its seams". If we do not follow our proper path, nature does not either, and functions in a manner of chaos. This isn't a punishment; it's a direct consequence (similar to a man being injured if he jumps off a cliff).
With this, we can answer our original question. As Parshas Bechukosai illustrates, the nation who accepts the Torah has a big responsibility. The very existence and well-being of the entire planet rests on their shoulders. Eisuv and Yishmael argued that although they would have to refrain from killing and stealing regardless of whether or not they received the Torah, at least their shortcomings would not affect the entire world. They knew they were bound to mess up too often and therefore, they decided that they simply couldn't accept the role of being Hashem's chosen nation, whose actions would affect the wellbeing of all of existence.
Living Inspired
One of the most motivating thoughts is knowing that every one of MY actions makes a real difference. The reason why Hashem is telling us the blessings that will come to this world when we follow in His ways (even though we are not supposed to serve Him for the sake of reward), is in order for us to understand that every action we do has a cosmic, concrete effect. Each time I do a mitzvah, the world REALLY receives a portion of peace and blessing that is felt by all. If I do a sin "just this once", it IS a big deal and makes a difference, as it immediately brings a portion of destruction and desolation into the world. Every action I take, for the good or for the bad, is a VERY big deal. When we hear about incredible things happening in current events, whether it be natural disasters and war, or peace and blessing, we should realize that Hashem wants us to take it to heart, as it is a direct result of OUR actions. Every action we take can build the world or destroy it. Everything that we do makes a REAL difference.
This message is especially relevant to the Yom Tov of Shavuos, as Rashi explains that the condition of “Im Bichukosai Ta’leichu” (“if you follow my statutes”), which is the prerequisite of the world receiving blessing, is specifically referring to the mitzvah of toiling in the learning of Torah. Every single word of Torah that we learn is what brings all blessing into this world. It is a great responsibility, but as a result of being Hashem’s chosen nation, we are well suited for the job. May we all taste the sweetness of learning Torah, learn it with passion, and through doing so, make this world the better place that it is meant to be.
Gut Yom Tov
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שם פרק ד׳ משנה כב׳, ומסילת ישרים פרק א׳ 1
