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The Juxtaposition of the Tochacha and Arachin

By: SFW Students & Alumna
Sarah Schwartz (SFW '08)

Parshat Bechukotai contains two themes, tochacha (rebuke) and arachin (charity), which, at first glance, seem disconnected. A very obvious and perplexing question is that of the relationship between these two themes in the parsha.

Rav Frand, quoting the Baal Haturim, asks this very question: why is arachin associated with the tochacha?

The Baal Haturim uses a numerical approach to answer our anomaly. The total number of different types of arachin equals 143. If one adds the different curses (both in this week's parsha and in Ki Savo) it amounts to 143. This teaches us a tremendous lesson -- that giving charity protects us from the 143 curses in the tochacha.

Rabbi Moshe Sherer gives a different perspective to our question. The true determinant of a person’s charitable nature is how he acts in a difficult and trying situation. If a person does kindness after tragedy strikes, it is a true testimony of his faith. This can be related to the parsha in a clear manner. If one is able to go through the terrible curses that Hashem described in the tochacha, and is still willing and happy to give charity, he is a lofty individual.

The Rambam has a well-known list of types of charity. According to him, the highest form of charity is when one provides another with a job. By the donor giving someone a profession, he is providing the needy person the gift of life, “tzadakah tazil mimivas.” On the same note, tochacha is also a way of saving one’s life. If Hashem tells us how to live our life in a proper way, He is guiding us in being a better servant to Him. By being on the proper path, Hashem is saving us from death.

Sichot Musser, on Parshat Devarim, helps us further understand how rebuke can be used to elevate our lives. At first, when one is reprimanded, he feels low, embarrassed, and unworthy. However, in the future, this rebuke actually betters the person. This idea is apparent in a parent-child relationship.

Now, with a clear understand of the juxtaposition of tochacha and arachin in our parsha, it is also crucial to recognize the deep meaning in its location at the conclusion of the sefer. Using the Ramban’s introduction to Sefer Bamidbar, the idea of tochacha and arachin fit perfectly at the close of Sefer Vayikra, a book about Cohanim and Karbanot. The tochacha is a list of conditions, or laws, which is a common theme throughout Vayikra. Sefer Bamidbar, however, describes the mishkan and laws which do not pertain throughout generations. This is why the laws of charity fit flawlessly as a transition between the sefarim. Arachin is used to foreshadow the many mitzvot in Bamidbar. It cannot be in Bamidbar itself because charity does pertain to all generations.

Hopefully, with a comprehensible understanding of the necessity of rebuke and the importance of charity, we will be able to elevate our lives on both a personal and communal level. May the conclusion of Sefer Vayikra and the chanting of “chazak, chazak” be a motivation for our spiritual growth during our counting of the Omer, which climaxes at the most charitable gift of all—matan Torah.