Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 26:20 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 26:20 is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), where Hashem warns that if the Jewish people do not follow His commandments, their efforts will be in vain—their land won't produce crops, and the trees won't bear fruit. Rashi explains that this is a consequence of neglecting mitzvot, showing how physical success depends on spiritual obedience.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse highlights the Torah's principle of 'measure for measure' (middah k'neged middah). The Rambam (Hilchos Taaniyos 1:1-3) teaches that agricultural failures are a wake-up call for teshuvah (repentance). It reminds us that material blessings are tied to our relationship with Hashem and mitzvah observance.
Q: How does Leviticus 26:20 apply to us today?
A: While we may not all be farmers today, the message remains: success in our endeavors depends on spiritual commitment. The Sforno explains that wasted effort—whether in business, studies, or other pursuits—can result from distancing ourselves from Torah values. This verse urges us to examine our priorities.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'your strength shall be spent in vain'?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 9a) connects this to futile labor—like planting trees that won't grow. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) adds that even mundane activities become exhausting without divine blessing. This teaches us to align our efforts with Torah to avoid wasted energy.
Q: Does this mean bad harvests are always a punishment?
A: Not necessarily. The Ramban (on Leviticus 26:11) notes that natural factors also play a role, but the Torah emphasizes that collective spiritual decline can trigger such outcomes. The Talmud (Berachos 5a) teaches that hardships can also be tests or opportunities for growth, not just punishments.
Interpretation of the Verse
The verse "וְתַם לָרִיק כֹּחֲכֶם וְלֹא־תִתֵּן אַרְצְכֶם אֶת־יְבוּלָהּ וְעֵץ הָאָרֶץ לֹא יִתֵּן פִּרְיוֹ" (and your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruit) appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 26:20 as part of the Tochacha (the rebuke), which outlines the consequences of failing to observe the mitzvot.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 26:20) explains that the phrase "וְתַם לָרִיק כֹּחֲכֶם" refers to the futility of agricultural labor—despite working the land diligently, the crops will not flourish. This is a punishment for neglecting Torah study and mitzvot, as the land's fertility is directly tied to divine blessing.
Rambam (Maimonides) on Divine Retribution
In Hilchot Ta’anit (1:1-4), the Rambam teaches that agricultural failure is one of the signs of divine displeasure. When the Jewish people stray from Torah, Hashem withholds blessings from the land, demonstrating that sustenance is not merely a natural process but dependent on spiritual merit.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash Tanchuma (Bechukotai 1) elaborates that the land's refusal to yield produce is a measure-for-measure response: just as Bnei Yisrael neglect the mitzvot related to the land (e.g., terumah, ma’aser), the land, in turn, withholds its bounty.
Talmudic Perspective
The Talmud (Sotah 9a) connects this verse to the concept of yishuv ha’aretz (settling the land). It teaches that when the Jewish people are not spiritually aligned, even the physical land of Israel—which is inherently holy—responds by becoming barren, emphasizing the deep connection between the people, the land, and divine providence.
Key Lessons