While Parshat Bechukotai is short, the first two pesukim alone can teach us a lesson. The Parsha starts by saying, If you go in the way of my mitzvot, whether you know or don’t know the reasons why, and you keep them, then I will bring rain בְּעִתָּ֑ם (in the right time). Many people say that rain, being water, symbolizes purity and bracha. Using this interpretation, it is saying that when we do a mitzvah, bracha will fall upon us. However, that is not all that it says. The pasuk says that Hashem will give you bracha, but it won’t necessarily be right away. The word בְּעִתָּ֑ם, at the right time, is teaching us that Hashem gives us the blessings that we deserve, but He will give them to us when it is best for us.

Sometimes, we feel that we went above and beyond or kept a mitzvah that was hard for us yet we got nothing in return. That may be true, but while we may have gotten nothing in return, it is only that we have gotten nothing in return yet. Hashem knows what we deserve and He, like any parent, wants to give his children blessings and good things in life, but Hashem wants to give what is best for you. For you to have the best bracha, it may not be now, but when the time comes, Hashem will have the bracha rain down on you speedily. May we all be able to recognize that Hashem knows the best timing and that all He does is for the good. May we have patience in waiting for the brachot that we didn’t get right away but are ready to come when it is בְּעִתָּ֑ם.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.