Parashat Ki Tabo- The Material and Spiritual Rewards for Torah Learning
Update: 2024-09-19
Description
The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tabo describes the great rewards that G-d promises to bestow upon our nation if we faithfully observe the Misvot. The Or Ha'haim (Rav Haim Ben-Attar, 1696-1743) explains that the first series of blessings mentioned in this section are promised as rewards specifically for the Misva of Torah study. The first reward promised is, "U'netancha Hashem Elokecha Elyon Al Kol Goyeh Ha'aretz" – "Hashem your G-d will make you elevated above all nations in the land" (28:1). The Or Ha'haim explains that through the study of Torah, "Yishtanu Le'ma'ala Mi'kol Ha'umot She'enam Beneh Torah" – we are positively impacted, and lifted above those who do not learn Torah. Learning Torah spiritually refines us, making us better people. When we learn Torah, we do not only gain knowledge, but we also experience spiritual elevation, and are transformed. Two verses later, the Torah promises, "You will be blessed in the city, and you will be blessed in the field." This promise, of course, refers to material success. Whether one works "in the city," in commerce, or if he works "in the field," in agriculture, he earns success and prosperity through the merit of Torah learning. The Or Ha'haim cites the Gemara's teaching in Masechet Aboda Zara (19b), "Kol Ha'osek Be'Talmud Torah, Nechasav Muslahim" – anyone who learns Torah is blessed with material success. The next promise is the blessing of children – "Baruch Peri Bitnecha" ("Blessed will be the fruit of your belly"). The Or Ha'haim draws our attention to the story of Obed Edom Ha'Gitti, who, as we read in the Book of Shemuel II (6:10 ), housed the Aron (ark) in his home for a brief period, before King David brought it to its permanent site. The Gemara (Berachot 63b) teaches that the Aron's presence brought great blessing to the family, and Obed Edom Ha'Gitti's wife and daughters-in-law all delivered sextuplets. Certainly, then, one who studies Torah, bringing the Torah not only into his home, but into his being, will likewise be blessed with fertility. We are then promised, "Baruch Ata Be'bo'echa, U'baruch Ata Be'setecha" – "You will be blessed when you come, and you will be blessed when you leave." The Gemara (Baba Mesia 107a) explains this to mean that we will leave this world free of sin just as we entered the world free of sin. The Or Ha'haim writes that this, too, is a reward for Torah learning – that we are protected from sin. Torah learning brings us spiritual protection, helping us overcome our negative inclinations and resist temptation. By allocating time to immerse ourselves in the study of the sacred Torah, we empower ourselves to overcome the spiritual obstacles that we encounter, and to remain on the path of faithful devotion to Hashem throughout our lives.
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