The Parshah with which we conclude the reading of the Torah, Berochoh, is the only Torah Portion which is not read on Shabbos. It is always read on Simchas Torah, the final day of Succos. It contains the famous verse which expresses the connection between Jews and Torah[1]; “the Torah which Moshe commanded us is an inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov (the Jewish Nation).”
Rashi cites the word “Torah,” and explains as follows. The Torah “that Moshe commanded us is an inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov, we have taken hold of it, and we will not forsake it!”
We need to understand why Rashi uses the phrase “we have taken hold of it.” It would seem that “we have followed it,” or “we have learned it” would be more appropriate.
Furthermore, why does Rashi need to specify that we have taken hold of the Torah which we received as an inheritance? What difference does it make how we received it?
The root of the Hebrew word which Rashi uses for “taking hold of,” is “Achuzah – אחוזה.” It can be translated as grasping, taking hold of. However, it can also be translated as an inheritance. The Torah uses the word “Sedei Achuzah – שדה אחוזה,” to mean an inherited field. Hashem commanded us to divide the land of Israel among all of the tribes. The portion of each tribe was further divided among each individual family. Every Jew has a portion of the Holy Land. One can never really sell real estate, a part of his land in Israel. It never completely leaves his possession. The land returns to him in the Jubilee, the 50th year. It always belongs to the one who originally inherited it.
The same is true of Torah. It is our eternal property; despite the fact that we may temporarily found among the nations of the world. Come what may, Torah is always the “inheritance of the congregation of Yaakov.”
May we all have a good, sweet year both in spiritual and physical matters. We should rejoice with the Torah, our personal, constant possession. Likewise, the Torah shall rejoice with us. May we merit the ultimate blessing of Moshiach Now!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 29, Beginning with Page 229
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR MOTHER
Mrs. Brocha bas Reb Tzvi Nechemiah Hacohen O.B.M. Cohen
Passed away on 8 Shevat, 5778
May Her Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
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DEDICATED BY HER FAMILY
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לעילוי נשמת
מרת ברכה בת ר’ צבי נחמי’ הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטרה ביום ח ‘שבט, ה’תשע”ח
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
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יוצא לאור ע”י בני משפחתה שיחיו
[1]. Our Parshah, Devorim 33, 4.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 