Two Minute Torah Podcast

Eikev 5770 by Abe Fried-Tanzer

Parshat Eikev serves as both a recap of the time the Israelites spent in the desert and an outline of a number of important laws. After reminding the Israelites of the long journey they have made and all that God has done for them, Moses tells the Israelites that they will need to "destroy all the people that the Lord your God delivers to you, showing them no pity." An important distinction is made regarding why the Israelites are to do this. It is not because of their own virtues, but rather "because of the wickedness of those nations." The Israelites are then reminded of the golden calf and told never to forget how they provoked the Lord. "From the day that you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have continued defiant toward the Lord," the text reads. Entering the Promised Land is a new opportunity, but not an entirely fresh start. The laws must still be upheld. And there are many laws to uphold.

The fifth aliyah begins: "And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God demand of you?" During this discourse of laws, there are a couple of recognizable passages. "V'haya im shamo'a tishm'u el mitzvotai asher anokhi m'tzaveh etkhem hayom" (If, then, you obey the commandments that I enjoin upon you this day) is the opening line of the second paragraph of the Sh'ma, which, unlike the rest of the Sh'ma, is almost always said silently during daily prayer. The paragraph contains important and familiar instructions: "Impress these My words upon your very heart: bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead" and, also, "inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." With a physical reminder of the laws that have been prescribed to us, we will not forget our relationship with God. This week, take time to read over the paragraph after V'ahavta, especially if you usually breeze over it. Also found earlier in this parshah is a simpler charge that is part of the Birkat Hamazon, the grace after meals. "Ve'akhalta vesavata uvayrakhta et Adonai Elohekha al ha'aretz hatovah asher natan lakh" (When you have eaten your fill, give thanks to the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you). In short, don't forget the big picture, even in small moments. Shabbat Shalom.