Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'walk contrary to me' mean in Leviticus 26:21?
A: The phrase 'walk contrary to me' (הָלַךְ עִמִּי בְּקֶרִי) refers to behaving in opposition to Hashem's commandments, acting rebelliously or indifferently toward His will. Rashi explains that 'keri' (קֶרִי) implies casualness or inconsistency in serving Hashem—sometimes obeying, sometimes not, as if by chance rather than commitment.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'seven times more plagues'?
A: The 'seven times more plagues' symbolize escalating consequences for persistent disobedience. The number seven represents completeness in Jewish tradition (e.g., seven days of creation), indicating that the punishments will be thorough and proportional to the sins. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 4:2) teaches that these warnings emphasize the principle of middah k’neged middah (measure for measure).
Q: How does Leviticus 26:21 relate to repentance?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke), which outlines consequences for abandoning Torah values. However, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) teaches that suffering can awaken people to repent. The plagues are not merely punitive but corrective—meant to inspire teshuvah (return to Hashem). The verse reminds us that avoiding repentance leads to greater consequences.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: The verse teaches that our relationship with Hashem requires consistency—not sporadic observance. The Sforno notes that 'not hearkening' reflects a hardened heart, a warning against spiritual apathy. Today, this reminds us to embrace Torah with dedication, as half-hearted commitment distances us from divine protection and blessings.
Q: Why does the verse say 'according to your sins'?
A: The phrase 'according to your sins' underscores that divine justice is precise. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 35:1) explains that punishments are tailored to the severity and nature of the wrongdoing. This assures that consequences are never arbitrary but directly linked to one’s actions, encouraging accountability and self-reflection.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Vayikra 26:21) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. It follows a pattern where Hashem warns of escalating consequences if Bnei Yisrael persist in disobedience. The term "קֶרִי" ("keri") is central to understanding the severity of the transgression.
Meaning of "קֶרִי" (Keri)
Rashi explains that "קֶרִי" implies a casual, indifferent attitude toward divine providence—acting as if events are mere coincidence ("מִקְרֶה") rather than hashgacha pratis (divine supervision). The Ramban expands on this, stating that such an attitude denies the fundamental relationship between Hashem and Klal Yisrael, making it a grave spiritual failing.
Escalation of Punishment
The phrase "וְיָסַפְתִּי עֲלֵיכֶם מַכָּה שֶׁבַע" ("I will bring seven times more plagues") is interpreted in multiple ways:
Connection to Repentance
The Midrash (Toras Kohanim) notes that even in rebuke, Hashem leaves room for teshuvah. The phrase "וְלֹא תֹאבוּ לִשְׁמֹעַ לִי" ("and will not hearken to me") implies that the punishments are meant to awaken Bnei Yisrael to return, not merely to inflict suffering. The Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:1) emphasizes that suffering is ultimately a call to introspection and correction.
Moral Lesson
The verse teaches that ignoring divine guidance leads to compounded consequences. The Kli Yakar highlights that the word "כְּחַטֹּאתֵיכֶם" ("according to your sins") shows the middah k'neged middah (measure-for-measure) nature of punishment—those who treat their bond with Hashem as "keri" will experience upheaval in their lives until they recognize His hand.