וחי בהם – Live and Believe

In Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, the Torah offers a profound directive that has echoed throughout Jewish life for generations. The verse in Vayikra (Leviticus) 18:5 says:

“ושמרתם את חקתי ואת משפטי אשר יעשה אותם האדם וחי בהם אני ה'”
“You shall keep My statutes and My laws, which a person shall do and live by them—I am the Lord.”

This phrase, “וחי בהם” (v’chai bahem), is given deep interpretation by Chazal (our Sages), who explain in the Talmud (Yoma 85b):
“וחי בהם – ולא שימות בהם” — “And live by them—and not die by them.”
This means that the mitzvot (commandments) are meant to sustain life, not cause its forfeiture. Except in cases of the three cardinal sins (idolatry, murder, and prohibited relations), we are commanded to preserve life above all. Judaism treasures life as a vessel for sanctity, mission, and growth.

This idea came into sharp, personal focus this past Shabbat in Jerusalem, at the Nitzanim shul in the Baka neighborhood. Sasha Troufanov, a recently returned hostage from Gaza, addressed the community. His presence was a miracle, and his message, even more so.

While enduring the harsh conditions of captivity, Sasha shared how he became more connected to his Jewish faith, holding on to his identity and his sense of meaning as a source of strength. His fight to survive wasn’t just physical, it was spiritual. In a place meant to crush dignity, he drew closer to who he truly was: a Jew, alive with purpose.

He embodied וחי בהם. His survival was not just about staying alive—it was about holding on to his identity and faith, recognizing that life itself is a conduit for fulfilling God’s commandments. Sasha reminded us that faith is not only about martyrdom or miracles. It’s about resilience, and about living as Jews in a way that reflects our values.

But here’s the challenge, and the lesson for us: We shouldn’t wait until we are trapped in darkness to find our light.

Sasha’s story calls upon all of us, free and secure, to ask: Are we living Jewish lives with pride and meaning? Are we embracing our Torah not only in times of crisis but also in comfort? The mitzvot are not only for survival, they are for flourishing.

This message has powerful implications beyond the personal. It speaks to the national character of the State of Israel, and particularly to its leaders. In a time of intense division and political upheaval, the vision of וחי בהם invites a shift in mindset.

It is a call for politicians, not just religious ones, to see Jewish purpose as the guiding light of their service. Imagine if leaders approached their roles with the clarity that our laws, our heritage, and our values are not constraints, but the very foundation for a society that cherishes life, justice, compassion, and unity.

When public policy reflects Torah values, not coercively, but through inspiration, then politics becomes more than power. It becomes a platform for holiness, for building a society worthy of its name: Medinat Yisrael, the State of Israel.

Sasha’s message, rooted in his struggle and survival, is a powerful reminder: Live as Jews. Live with purpose. Live with pride. Not only in Gaza, or in shul, but in every decision we make as individuals and as a people.

May we merit to fulfill the words of the Torah “וחי בהם” not just in survival, but in thriving Jewish lives. And may our leaders be inspired to lead with that same spirit, shaping a future of vision, courage, and faith.