Bechukotai The Harvest of Renewal

The great journey of Judaism through the ages is a story of endless renewal and adaptation. As the ancient sages said, tradition is not the ashes we preserve but the fire we pass on. The phrase from the parashah "Bechukotai," "You shall clear out the old to make room for the new," reminds us of the need for thoughtful change. In this lies a profound truth: change is the breath of life, and tradition is its heart.

Reform Judaism: Harmony of the Old and the New

Just as the Israelites cleared out old grain to make room for the new harvest, Reform Judaism calls us to rethink traditions to keep them relevant. Change is not a rejection of the past but a rethinking of it in light of the present. Just as ancient harvests clear the barns for new grain, our traditions must renew, preserving their essence and passing it on to the next generation.

Personally, as a Jew, I appreciate Reform Judaism because it is open to all who wish to join, not just those born Jewish. For example, in India alone, 15 million people observe Judaism and wish to become Jews. In the former Soviet Union and China, there is also interest in studying Judaism, while in South Korea, the Talmud is studied at the state level in schools. Tens of thousands come to Israel from South Korea and around the world to study the Torah and Talmud. We must give the lost tribes of Israel and the souls of the converts who received the Torah at Mount Sinai the opportunity to return to Judaism. Amen!

Prophetic Judaism: Inspiration for Justice

The prophets, as the voice of the nation's conscience, called for righteousness and justice, criticizing the outward observance of rituals without inner morality. Their words thunder, reminding us that true faith should flow like water and righteousness should be an unceasing stream. "Justice is the path to peace, and righteousness leads to prosperity."

The phrase "You shall clear out the old to make room for the new" becomes a symbol of social and ethical renewal to which the prophets called. It is not just about change but renewing the spirit and society, striving for justice and righteousness. The prophets urged us to seek truth and justice, to cleanse our hearts and society from old, impure ways, to make room for the new, pure, and righteous.

The Right of Sages to Interpret the Torah

From Moses onward, the sages of the Jewish people have had the right to interpret the Torah. For example, the commandment "Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk" should not be taken literally; it means not to eat dairy with meat. The Almighty, blessed be He, gave the sages the ability and the right to interpret the Torah to reflect the needs of each generation. "The wisdom of interpretation is the key to the survival of tradition." The sages, like bright stars in a dark night, illuminate our path, helping us see the depth and meaning of every word in the Torah.

The Sanctity of the Torah and the Jealousy of Angels

The Almighty first wrote the Torah and then created this world based on it. The Torah encompasses the past, present, and future. It is such a powerful and holy book that even the angels were jealous of Moses for it. The Almighty commanded Moses to hide behind His throne, and Moses responded that the Torah was written for the Jews, as it describes how the Jews left Egypt, not the angels. After this, the angels acknowledged Moses' wisdom and the Jews' right to the Torah.

Conclusion: The Path to Spiritual Renewal

This wisdom of our ancestors teaches us that change and renewal are not just necessities but paths to spiritual and social revival. The old, cleared away for the new, becomes the foundation for prosperity and well-being, filling life with meaning and harmony. "Renewal is the breath of life, and tradition is its heart."

Change is the pulse of living Judaism, where the past meets the present to create the future. May our actions be filled with the wisdom and determination of the ancient prophets, leading us to new horizons of spiritual growth and well-being.

Amen! Next year in Jerusalem, may the coming of the Messiah be hastened when the whole world will accept the Torah and begin celebrating Sukkot, my favorite holiday. May this spirit of renewal and adaptation guide us towards a future filled with justice, righteousness, and harmony, as envisioned by our ancestors. May the wisdom of interpretation continue to light our way, ensuring that our traditions remain vibrant and relevant for generations to come.