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Leviticus 26:36 - Exile's haunting fear pursues.

Leviticus 26:36 - ויקרא 26:36

Hebrew Text

וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִים בָּכֶם וְהֵבֵאתִי מֹרֶךְ בִּלְבָבָם בְּאַרְצֹת אֹיְבֵיהֶם וְרָדַף אֹתָם קוֹל עָלֶה נִדָּף וְנָסוּ מְנֻסַת־חֶרֶב וְנָפְלוּ וְאֵין רֹדֵף׃

English Translation

And upon those who are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursues.

Transliteration

Vehanish'arim bakhem veheveiti morekh bilvavam be'artzot oyvehem veradaf otam kol aleh nidaf venasu menusat-kherev venafelu ve'ein rodef.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים בָּכֶ֔ם וְהֵבֵ֤אתִי מֹ֙רֶךְ֙ בִּלְבָבָ֔ם בְּאַרְצֹ֖ת אֹיְבֵיהֶ֑ם וְרָדַ֣ף אֹתָ֗ם ק֚וֹל עָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֔ף וְנָס֧וּ מְנֻֽסַת־חֶ֛רֶב וְנָפְל֖וּ וְאֵ֥ין רֹדֵֽף׃
וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֣ים בָּכֶ֔ם וְהֵבֵ֤אתִי מֹ֙רֶךְ֙ בִּלְבָבָ֔ם בְּאַרְצֹ֖ת אֹיְבֵיהֶ֑ם וְרָדַ֣ף אֹתָ֗ם ק֚וֹל עָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֔ף וְנָס֧וּ מְנֻֽסַת־חֶ֛רֶב וְנָפְל֖וּ וְאֵ֥ין רֹדֵֽף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Vayikra 26:36) appears in the Tochacha (the "Rebuke"), a section of severe warnings for failing to observe the mitzvos. It describes the psychological and physical consequences of exile, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional turmoil that will afflict the Jewish people when they are scattered among their enemies.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "I will send a faintness into their hearts" refers to an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety. Even without real danger, they will feel pursued, as if hearing the sound of a rustling leaf—something insignificant—and flee in terror. Rashi connects this to the Talmudic teaching (Megillah 17b) that exile brings constant instability, where Jews in foreign lands live in perpetual fear.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 7:7) interprets this as a consequence of abandoning Torah. When Jews distance themselves from Divine protection, they become vulnerable to irrational fears and psychological distress. The "sound of a shaken leaf" symbolizes how minor disturbances will trigger disproportionate reactions, reflecting a loss of inner peace.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 26:36) elaborates that this verse describes the exile's psychological toll. Even when no enemy is present, Jews will feel pursued, illustrating the breakdown of trust and security. The phrase "they shall fall when none pursues" suggests self-inflicted suffering—collapsing under imagined threats due to guilt or Divine withdrawal.

Chassidic Insight

The Sfas Emes teaches that this verse highlights the spiritual root of exile. When disconnected from Hashem, the soul feels a void, manifesting as irrational fears. The "sound of a leaf" represents fleeting distractions of the material world, which chase those who lack Torah's grounding. True security comes only through teshuvah and clinging to Hashem.

Practical Lessons

  • Fear as a Spiritual Barometer: Unfounded anxiety may signal a need for introspection and strengthening emunah.
  • Exile's Purpose: These sufferings are meant to awaken repentance, as the verse precedes promises of eventual redemption.
  • Torah as Protection: Immersing in Torah and mitzvos restores inner peace, countering the "faintness of heart" described here.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 26:36 mean?
A: Leviticus 26:36 describes the consequences that will befall the Jewish people if they fail to follow Hashem's commandments. According to Rashi, even those who survive exile will live in constant fear, feeling pursued even by harmless things like the sound of a rustling leaf. This verse emphasizes the spiritual and psychological effects of straying from Torah observance.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse is part of the 'Tochacha' (rebuke) in Parshat Bechukotai, which outlines the consequences for abandoning Torah mitzvot. The Rambam explains that these warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our covenant with Hashem. The vivid imagery helps impress upon us the seriousness of our spiritual commitments.
Q: How does this apply to Jewish life today?
A: The Sages teach that this verse reminds us that true security comes from our relationship with Hashem. Even when we have physical safety, without spiritual connection we may experience anxiety and unrest. The verse encourages us to strengthen our faith and Torah observance to find true peace of mind.
Q: What does 'the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them' mean?
A: Rashi explains this metaphor means the exiles will be so filled with fear that even the slightest noise - something as insignificant as a leaf rustling - will make them panic as if being chased by an enemy. The Midrash adds that this describes a state of constant anxiety that comes from being disconnected from Hashem's protection.
Q: Is there any positive message in this difficult verse?
A: Yes. The Talmud (Megillah 10b) teaches that all prophecies of punishment ultimately contain hidden comfort. The very fact that there are 'those left alive' shows Hashem's mercy. Additionally, recognizing these consequences can motivate us to return to Torah observance, as the verses that follow discuss repentance and redemption.