In this week's double portion of Behar-Bechukotai, we encounter profound lessons about work, rest, and our relationship with both the land and our community. The Torah tells us, “When you enter the land that I give you, the land shall observe a sabbath for Gd” (Leviticus 25:2). Teaching us that even the earth requires rest and renewal.
Consider two gardeners: the weary peasant who toils endlessly to coax sustenance from reluctant soil, and the passionate horticulturist who rises each dawn eager to tend to their beloved plants. Both perform identical actions planting, weeding, and watering their produce, yet their experiences could not be more different. One sees burden, the other sees blessing.
The Talmud teaches us, “Who is rich? The one who is happy with their portion” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). Our sages understood that perspective transforms everything. The same soil that feels like a curse to one is a canvas of possibility to another.
In Parshat Bechukotai, we read, “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My commandments, I will grant your rains in their season” (Leviticus 26:3-4). This blessing is not merely agricultural; it is particularly spiritual. When we approach our responsibilities with proper intention, even mundane tasks become sacred service.
The Baal Shem Tov shared a parable about a musician who played so beautifully that all who heard were moved to dance with joy. A deaf man, watching from outside the music hall, saw only people jumping about meaninglessly and concluded those inside the hall were mad. The observer’s limitation prevented him from understanding the music’s power. Similarly, when we cannot hear the spiritual melody underlying our communal obligations, volunteer work and engagement appears burdensome rather than uplifting.
Our parshah also reminds us that the land belongs to Gd: “The land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the land is Mine; you are but strangers dwelling with Me” (Leviticus 25:23). We are reminded of our temporary stewardship. We are not eternal owners. It is the results of our actions that will live beyond our lifetime and not our material possessions. This perspective should infuse our community service with humility and purpose.
Just as the sabbatical year renews the land, our volunteer efforts renew our community's spirit. Whether teaching children, visiting the elderly, or organizing events, we plant seeds of connection and harvest relationships.
The Jewish Federation will soon be gathering names of volunteers eager to contribute across our many programs and initiatives throughout the coming year. We encourage you to listen for that spiritual melody calling you to service. Transform your perspective, and watch as obligation becomes opportunity, work becomes worship, and community service becomes a pathway to joy.
Stay alert for upcoming volunteer opportunities… your community garden awaits your unique contribution.
Shabbat Shalom,
Nammie Ichilov
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples