As you may know, the Code of Jewish Law is also known by its Hebrew title, Shulchan Aruch, which literally means "a set table." That seems like an odd title for a book of rules and regulations. Something along the lines of "Magna Carta," which means "the great charter,” would seem to be more appropriate.

The source for the title Shulchan Aruch can actually be found in this week's Torah portion, Mishpatim. The opening verse (21:1) states: "And these are the judgments that you shall place before them." In his commentary, Rashi quotes the Talmud (Eruvin 54b), which says: "The Holy One , Blessed is He, said to Moses, 'Don't even think of saying that "I'll teach them the chapter and the law two or three times until they are fluent in it, but I won't trouble myself to make them understand the reasons behind it and its explanation."’ Therefore it says 'that you shall place before them,' like a table that is set before a person, prepared to be eaten."  If the purpose of studying Torah is to be able to know how to perform the commandments, what is wrong with simply making sure that the Jews are well-versed in the law and all of its details? Why does G-d tell Moshe that it's equally imperative that he take the time to make sure that the people are taught the rationale behind the rituals? And what is the parallel between this teaching of the Torah and a table laden with delicacies that's just waiting and ready to be devoured?

The Sochatchover Rebbe, Rav Avrohom Bernstein (1838-1910), in the foreword to his book Eglei Tal, discusses whether the value of one's study is diminished if one derives tremendous joy and satisfaction from it, since that would imply that the Torah is not being studied for its own sake, but rather for the learner’s own benefit and enjoyment. His conclusion is that "on the contrary, the primary mitzvah of Torah study is to rejoice and delight in its study, for then the words of Torah become absorbed in one's blood" (emphasis added). We see from the Sochatchover's words that an essential aspect of Torah study is that one internalize its teachings to the point that they become part of the very  fiber of one’s being, and the only way to accomplish this is through getting a joy and delight in Torah study.

Perhaps this is why G-d insisted that Moshe teach the Jewish people the reasons and explanations behind the commandments, so that the study of Torah would be an exhilarating experience for them rather than a dry exercise of memorizing myriad rules and regulations. It's like the difference between a person being fed intravenously and someone enjoying a five-course meal in a gourmet restaurant; in both cases the person is fed and nourished, but that’s where all similarity ends.  The one who has enjoyed the delicious feast walks away feeling both satisfied and fulfilled. This is what G-d wants us to experience from Torah study, and therefore He commands Moshe to present its teachings to the Jews "like a table that is set before a person and prepared to be eaten."  Thus, there could be no more fitting name for the body of Jewish law than Shulchan Aruch, the set table, for this serves as a constant reminder that we should endeavor to study Torah with zest and gusto, thereby absorbing the words of Torah into our systems.

So allow me to conclude with an appropriate prelude to Torah study… Bon Appétit!!