How Does That Grab You?

By Rabbi Joshua (comprehendingly known as The Hoffer) Hoffman

In beginning of the list of blessings that the nation will receive for hearkening to God’s commandments, Moshe tells them, “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you (vehisigucha), if you hearken to the voice of the Lord, your God” (Devarim 28:2). What is the import of the seemingly superfluous word “vehisigucha”? Rav Yerucham Levovitz, in his Da’as Torah, explains that the blessings come as a natural result of observance of the mitzvos, so that “vehisigucha”, which means literally to catch up with the person, indicates that the blessings will inexorably meet up with the person who observes the commandments.

Rav Moshe Yeudah Jakobovits, in his Zichron Moshe, gives a somewhat different explanation. It often happens, he says, that a person receives a blessing, but is unable to partake of it. For example, someone with health issues may be blessed with the ability to obtain the choicest food, but he cannot enjoy it because of his various conditions. The element of “vehisigucha” is that not only will one receive blessings but he will also be able to “grasp” them. To hold onto them and enjoy them.

Rav Avrohom Schorr, in volume one of his HaLekach VeHalibuv, cites an explanation of Reb Bunim of Peshischa, who gives a more spiritual twist to the suggestion of Rav Jacobovits. He says that sometimes a person receives a blessing, but doesn’t have the spiritual ability to utilize it. In kabbalistic terms, he lacks the “keilim,” the vessels, to absorb the blessing. By assuring us that “vehisigucha”, the Torah is telling us that we will be able to take in the blessings we receive.

Rav Aharon ben-Zion Shurin, z”l, who was a brother-in law of Rav Aharon Soloveichik, offered another explanation. He traced the word to its root of “hasagah”, a concept, or understanding. We are being told, he said, that we will receive blessings and understand that they are blessings. We can better understand his comment by taking note of the words of Rav Mordechai Gifter, z”l, in his Pirkei Torah in explanation of the command to rejoice in all the good that God gives us, stated in connection with the bringing of the bikkurim, one’s first fruits, to the Beis Hamikdash. The command, he says, cautions us to appreciate and be happy with what God has given us, and not constantly strive to attain more wealth, feeling that we never have enough. With this caution in mind, we can understand the term “vehisigucha” as Rav Schorr explains, as telling us that we will receive blessings, and understand that they are the blessings that are most fitting for us, through which we can further our service of God in this world, and attain true happiness.