Feed the right wolf

 Bechukotai

Lev. 26:3 - 27:34

 

Précis: The parasha, the final parasha in Vayikra, begins with a statement promising blessing if the People follow Adonai’s ways. The blessings are discussed in detail. But, if the People disobey, terrible punishments will be visited upon them, and these, too, are listed in agonizing detail. The Book of Leviticus then concludes (as it opened) with regulations regarding the upkeep of the Sanctuary, from voluntary tithes, land gifts, firstborn redemption, and the tithes of flocks.

 

Lev.  26:14-45 “But if you will not hearken unto Me, and will not do all these commandments, and if you reject My statutes, and if your soul abhors my ordinances....”

 

            While I try to avoid repetition in my weekly musings, I thought it might be nice to revisit a d’var I penned 22 years ago. This section is called the “tochacha” (admonition), with detailed curses to come when we fail to follow the mitzvot. Our Sages recognized that evil does come to good people, and the evil-doers can indeed prosper. Some suggest that this is because of the existence of human free will, since human beings can decide to do good or evil. In this regard, they opine that each of has a “yehtzer tov” (a good inclination) and a “yehtzer harah” (an evil inclination).

            Jews were not the only people to see this duality, and as an example I related the following legend:  

            A Cherokee is telling his grandson about a fight that is going on inside himself. He said it is between two wolves.
            One wolf is evil: Anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.
            The other wolf is good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
            The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
            The Cherokee simply replied, “The one I feed.”

            We all have the ability to decide which “wolf” we will “feed.” Let us resolve to feed the good one in our lives and in our society.