Reading the Torah’s Loving Rebuke

Autoplay Next

Reading the Torah’s Loving Rebuke

Prior to Shavuot we read the portion detailing the harsh consequences for forsaking G-d and His Torah. Is there another way to process these unsettling words?

Topics:

Curse; Curses, Behar-Bechukotai, Bechukotai

Rabbi Shalom M. Paltiel is executive director of Chabad of Port Washington.

More in this section

Join the Discussion

3 Comments

Newest

Oldest

Danny M Easton May 23, 2025

I agree that the Creator cares and loves. But where does moral free will come into play if that is the case. Nobody wants to be punished. Thanks. Reply

Rabbi Shalom Paltiel Port Washington May 23, 2025

in response to Danny M:

That's a great question, touching upon the very difficult question of free will vs destiny. Much is written on this very large subject. One approach might be, the reward and consequences of our actions are NOT immediately apparent, thus it takes a measure of morality and free choice to make the right choices. If reward and consequence was immediate, even animals can do that. Think dolphins doing flips and being fed an instant reward. Humans are charged to make choices even though most often we don't see how mitzvahs are good and immorality is self destructive; instant gratification can argue to the contrary. Yet, we choose the high road, and in the end the blessings result from it. i hope that's helpful Reply

Danny M Easton May 23, 2025

in response to Rabbi Shalom Paltiel:

Yes it is . Thanks a lot. Reply