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The Torah sometimes says shocking things. One example comes from our parsha, where Hashem lists dozens of curses for what will happen when we violate the Torah. Terrible things can occur if we are not faithful to His commandments.
When reading this section of the Torah, our initial reaction is to wonder why the punishments are so severe.
However, there may be a more important question that should draw our attention.
When Hashem criticizes us for not following the Torah, what is our reaction? How do we respond when we are met with critique? This question is one that we must consider in our daily lives as well. How do we take feedback?
It is often tempting to justify our actions, deflect to another topic or someone else's actions, or minimize the impact of our mistakes. However, if we are to grow in our relationships with others and with Hashem, we must first take the time to listen to the feedback we are given. We must process and think about the legitimacy of what we are being told and then try to use that critique to improve ourselves.
Through listening and understanding the feedback of others and Hashem, we can become our best selves, and then we will merit being met only with the blessings found at the beginning of Parshat Bechukotai.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Dani Bauer
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