BS”D Parasha Eikev.
It is now 8:39 pm Sa
Time, the kids are in bed, and time to contemplate the lessons from Eikev we
read this last Sabbath.
The Parasha starts Deuteronomy Ch7 v 12 “This shall be the
reward (Eikev translated from Hebrew– means reward.) when you hearken to
these laws…”
We see from here there is reward in listening and doing the
commandments.
David in Psalm 19 v 12 says “Indeed your servant is
scrupulous in them, in observing then there is great reward (same word is used Eikev)”
Hashem gives blessing to the world through us listening and
obeying his Torah. If we would truly
appreciate this we would all live much more responsibly. G-d in the Written
Torah is assuring us of blessings of wealth health family and protection. What
is required absolute loyalty and adherence to the entire Torah this is
mentioned many times. We are told to
cling to Hashem and not follow after other non-Torah ideologies – v 16 ends by
telling us these ideologies are a snare for us.
Moses tells us even if the enemies are more powerful we should not fear,
why as we know how Hashem destroyed Egypt for us, this was the sin of the spies,
who had seen the deeds and outstretched arm of Hashem but still lacked faith. We should know everything in life comes from
G-d, so he is in control, if he says we should conquer the land as he will be
with us we should have believed him wholeheartedly despite the odds against us,
in fact in spite of this, this would represent a Kiddush Hashem (glorifying G-d’s
name) after we would win the war.
If we humble ourselves to this fact, the only thing we need
fear is drifting from G-d himself for if we do all his blessings and kindnesses
he continually bestows on us may depart.
We are told to destroy all materials used in Idol worship by
the prior inhabitants, not to covet them, even if valuable in a physical sense
as it is an abomination to Hashem – here we learn not to covet or even benefit
in any way from these banned items those that do, will to become abominable to
Hashem and contaminate themselves.
Ch 8 V 1 “The entire
commandment that I command you today you shall observe and perform” – We are
not allowed to pick and choose the good from the areas we may (G-d forbid) not
like, but we need to keep the Torah in its entirety, others learn from here we
need to finish Mitzvahs we start, see them through from start to finish.
The Torah then speaks how Hashem led us in the wilderness
and indeed inflicted us to test us (for our own good), to test the heart to see
if we were sincere in our love and appreciation and recognition of him as the
true source and provider based on what we had seen. Would we in pain throw off his yoke, …he
taught us that not by bread alone does man live, rather by everything that
emanates from G-d’s mouth does man live, then indicating he would chastise us
as a Father does his own son…He was preparing us with what we needed prior to
going into the promised land. He gave us
a lesson in always recognising him no matter what, and warns us if and when we
start to get wealthy, Ch 8 v 10 You will eat and when satisfied, bless Hashem,
for the good Land that he gave you. By
Blessing Hashem we recognise the true source of all our talents, skills we used
to accumulate the wealth, and if we are fortunate to earn a lot of wealth we
need to continually thank and Bless G-d for it, we will then stay clear of arrogance. If we
start to think we alone achieved this grandeur, we are better than others, this
is despicable to our Creator, who provides us with everything we have, even if
it is through our efforts we must never forget who gives us our mind, plants
ideas in our brains and ultimately gives us our abilities, even if nurtured by
our own perceived efforts – our ability to
tread and adventure in this wide world is a G-d given gift. Moses reminds the nation that we are getting
the Land because G-d promised it to our forefathers, and also because those currently
in the Land were wicked, but we should not think we earned it through our own
merits because we are Ch 9 V6 a stiff necked people, how we fell after Moses
went up the first time with the sin of the golden calf, we did not take to
heart what we had heard at Sinai, he tore up the marriage contract by throwing
down the G-d given tablets, and then fell down on his face, we learn how Moses saved us in
prayer, G-d says Ch 9 v 14 Release me and I will destroy them and make from you a mightier
nation. How can Moses hold Hashem that he needs to be released, because Moses had so much
merit that his prayers to Hashem not to destroy us in our sinful state, saved
us, he literally prevented Hashem from destroying us – Wow, this is the power
of adherence, love and fear of G-d, a level attained by Moses, that G-d would
not destroy us because Moses held him back in his merits and his love of his
most Loyal servant. We read in Ch 9 v13 again that G-d calls us stiff necked
people.
Rabbi Aurbach mentioned after the morning prayers this
morning that he learnt that the Shla taught that we have a hidden instruction
from Moshe in this Parsha one to listen to criticism from others, words of reprimand
from others around us that are constructive and for our benefit, i.e. not to be
defensive and Stiff necked, but to actually listen and hear the well
intentioned words that are often difficult to swallow due to our own oversized
Ego’s.
Ch 10 v 16 “ You shall cut away the barrier to you heart and
no longer stiffen your neck, for He is the G-d of the powers the L-rd of lords,
who does not show favor or accept a bribe”
Rashi writes what does it mean G-d does not accept a bribe,
of course money is useless to G-d, Rashi mentions that you cannot buy G-d with
charity and money, i.e. you will be accountable for your sins, you may find
rewards for your good deeds but the only way to avoid punishment is true regret
and repentance, no buying your way out of sin, we need to be accountable for
the wrong we do.
Moses saved us and G-d gives us a second chance, the second
set of tablets, these had to be constructed by Moses - man-made, what we work for ourselves
sets a stronger foundation and appreciation, much more than a gift from Hashem, we fall, but through human efforts we can change for the good.
Deuteronomy Ch 11 v 10 to 12 THE LAND
For the Land you come to possess it, - is not like the land
of Egypt, that you left, where you would plant your seed and water it on foot like a vegetable garden.
But the land you cross over to possess it, is a land of mountains and valleys;
from the rain of the heaven it will drink water, a Land that Hashem , your G-d
seeks out ; the eyes of Hashem your G-d, are always upon it, from the beginning
of the year to year’s end”
In Genesis Egypt Ch13 v10 is referred to as a paradise likened to Gan
Eden, but you see this is because it was watered by the Nile, no man’s devotion
was required to obtain the Water. If you
recall in Genesis the first rain only fell after man Prayed for it, for rain
you need man connecting to Hashem, recognising Water the source of life, the key
is held by G-d Almighty and none else. After this it fell.
In Shema we say twice a day, morning and evening, the reward of Rain is given through our
loyalty and devotion to G-d’s will.
We are taught by Rashi Eikev also means a Heel, look back to the book of Genesis, to the time
Adam and Eve fell due to the Snake. Please read my blog entry on Purim for more
in depth insights into this creature and what it represented,
To summarise the Maharal teaches us a snake is a creature who
cannot move in a straight line, he is crooked through and through, he brought
death to the world, how, by denying that G-d is the All Powerful ever present cause
of all causes, his punishment – he would eat from the dust of the land. Rabbi Ehrman when teaching my son asked him,
is this not a blessing, having your food everywhere on the ground not needing
to beg or pray at all from where your next morsel will come, your food it will
be in your pathway? (like water in the Nile) – no he replied when you are given
everything you need, you no longer recognise a need for G-d (G-d forbid) , you
are now completely cut off from the source of life, G-d has wiped his hands of
you – a fitting punishment for the snake bringing death into the world!
Genesis Ch 3 v 14 reads “And Hashem
G-d said to the serpent, Because you have done this, accursed are you beyond
all cattle and beyond all cattle in the fields; upon your belly you will go,
and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. Ch 3 V15 I will put enmity between
you and the women and between your offspring and her offspring. He will pound your head, and you will bite
his heel - Eikev”
You see in Hebrew the word Heel is the same letters as the
word for Reward. I remember learning the Heel is one part of the body with the
least sensitivity (hard skin). When we
are insensitive and not guarded we come to sin (le havdil our Archilles heel), the key lesson
of this Parsha is remember G-d is with us if we need to walk somewhere for an
important goal, if we are loyal subjects he will be with us, to save us. Also
be careful what you expose yourself to, be sensitive to the entire set of commandments
so you do not get bitten by the Snake! This is a fundamental message of Eikev Fear and trust in the love of G-d and listen to his words.
Let’s go back to the Parsha of the week the generation about
to enter the land are reminded they witnessed G-d's great power so they are expected
to know G-d and love and fear him!
Let’s jump to Ch 11 V 8 again Moses states : you shall
observe the entire commandment so
you will be strong and come to possess the Land, and prolong our days on it. He
promises good rain in the correct time and grain (food) wine (wealth) and oil
(super wealth luxuries). We should teach these
lessons to later generations, for (third time v22) if we observe the entire commandment, to perform it,
to love Hashem, your G-d to walk in his
ways and to cleave to him….Hashem your G-d, will set terror and your fear
on the face of the entire earth where you will tread {with your Eikev}, as he
spoke to you”
WALK IN HIS
WAYS
When Serving Dinner
Written by
For
if you will observe this entire commandment that I command you, to perform it,
to love HASHEM, your G-d, to walk in all His ways and to cleave to Him.
HASHEM will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will drive out
greater and mightier nations than yourselves. Every place where the sole of your foot will tread shall be
yours- …No man will stand up against you; HASHEM your G-d will set your terror
and fear on the entire face of the earth wherever you tread, as He spoke to
you. (Devarim 11:23-25)
Quite a powerful formula for success is offered here. Let’s see if we can demystify partially at least one of the main ingredients needed for gaining that kind of ultra-respect wherever we go. How does one “walk in the ways of HASHEM”? Rashi quotes the Midrash. “Just as He (HASHEM) is merciful so you should be merciful. Just as He does acts of kindliness so you too should do acts of kindliness.” Is this a complete or only a partial list? Are these inclusive of “all His ways”? Where do we find a complete list of “all His ways”? This mandate opens the door to a large treasure trove of daily opportunities when we begin to seek out some sources for “all HASHEM’s ways”.
Amongst the ways to discover HASHEM’s ways is through observing what’s called the natural world. We say nightly in the blessings before Shema, “He creates day and night, removing light before the darkness and darkness before the light.” We can observe with our own eyes how gently darkness falls and how tenderly the day light appears. Even when the sun has set, there is still sufficient light in the sky to have a chance to settle down before the real darkness arrives. Even then, HASHEM leaves a soft nightlight – the moon to reflect some sunlight and the stars too, so we are not plunged suddenly into absolute blackness. When the sun rises it doesn’t shock the world by jumping to high noon height in an instant but rather He gradually stirs us lovingly from our sleep.
So when we put our children to bed it should be done with kindliness. First a nightlight is put on then the lights go out. When waking them up too, it can be done with a soft reminder, an opening of the shades, at first. If you are doing these nice things anyway you might just remind yourself to have in mind that you are actually “walking in His ways”.
Based on blessings and declarations in the Siddur, that we make daily here is a partial list of activities ascribed to HASHEM that we too might emulate throughout the day while having in mind that we are aiming to “walk in all His ways”.1) “Who clothes the naked” – When we dress our children. 2) Who provides for all my needs”- when taking care of an elder parent or child. 3) Who gives strength to the weary”- When giving encouragement or sustenance to anyone. 4) “Who prepares the steps of man”- when giving guidance to others. 5) “Blessed is He Who says and does”- When we keeps our promises and do what we say. 6) “HASHEM is good to all”- When we are being pleasant to people. 7) “The builder of Jerusalem is HASHEM” – When we escort a bride and groom or contribute to our brothers and sisters in Israel or when we mourn for the destruction of the Temple. 8) “He is the healer of the broken hearted” – When we comfort people who feel hurt. 9) “The selector song-hymns” –When we choose appropriate and holy music. 10) “Who chooses His people Israel with love”- When we look kindly upon our fellow Jews. 11) “Helper, Deliverer, and Shield”- When we put on a seatbelt and when we lock the door at night. 12) “Fulfiller of His faithfulness to those who sleep in the dust”- When we say Kaddish and follow the wishes of parents and grandparents even after they have passed. 13) “Teaches mankind understanding”- When learning Torah or doing homework with our children! 14) “Who blesses His people Israel with peace”- When praying for the welfare of the Jewish People! 15) “Who nourishes the entire world with His goodness, with favor and kindness and mercy”- When serving dinner!
Quite a powerful formula for success is offered here. Let’s see if we can demystify partially at least one of the main ingredients needed for gaining that kind of ultra-respect wherever we go. How does one “walk in the ways of HASHEM”? Rashi quotes the Midrash. “Just as He (HASHEM) is merciful so you should be merciful. Just as He does acts of kindliness so you too should do acts of kindliness.” Is this a complete or only a partial list? Are these inclusive of “all His ways”? Where do we find a complete list of “all His ways”? This mandate opens the door to a large treasure trove of daily opportunities when we begin to seek out some sources for “all HASHEM’s ways”.
Amongst the ways to discover HASHEM’s ways is through observing what’s called the natural world. We say nightly in the blessings before Shema, “He creates day and night, removing light before the darkness and darkness before the light.” We can observe with our own eyes how gently darkness falls and how tenderly the day light appears. Even when the sun has set, there is still sufficient light in the sky to have a chance to settle down before the real darkness arrives. Even then, HASHEM leaves a soft nightlight – the moon to reflect some sunlight and the stars too, so we are not plunged suddenly into absolute blackness. When the sun rises it doesn’t shock the world by jumping to high noon height in an instant but rather He gradually stirs us lovingly from our sleep.
So when we put our children to bed it should be done with kindliness. First a nightlight is put on then the lights go out. When waking them up too, it can be done with a soft reminder, an opening of the shades, at first. If you are doing these nice things anyway you might just remind yourself to have in mind that you are actually “walking in His ways”.
Based on blessings and declarations in the Siddur, that we make daily here is a partial list of activities ascribed to HASHEM that we too might emulate throughout the day while having in mind that we are aiming to “walk in all His ways”.1) “Who clothes the naked” – When we dress our children. 2) Who provides for all my needs”- when taking care of an elder parent or child. 3) Who gives strength to the weary”- When giving encouragement or sustenance to anyone. 4) “Who prepares the steps of man”- when giving guidance to others. 5) “Blessed is He Who says and does”- When we keeps our promises and do what we say. 6) “HASHEM is good to all”- When we are being pleasant to people. 7) “The builder of Jerusalem is HASHEM” – When we escort a bride and groom or contribute to our brothers and sisters in Israel or when we mourn for the destruction of the Temple. 8) “He is the healer of the broken hearted” – When we comfort people who feel hurt. 9) “The selector song-hymns” –When we choose appropriate and holy music. 10) “Who chooses His people Israel with love”- When we look kindly upon our fellow Jews. 11) “Helper, Deliverer, and Shield”- When we put on a seatbelt and when we lock the door at night. 12) “Fulfiller of His faithfulness to those who sleep in the dust”- When we say Kaddish and follow the wishes of parents and grandparents even after they have passed. 13) “Teaches mankind understanding”- When learning Torah or doing homework with our children! 14) “Who blesses His people Israel with peace”- When praying for the welfare of the Jewish People! 15) “Who nourishes the entire world with His goodness, with favor and kindness and mercy”- When serving dinner!
I loved this entry so I decided to
use it as my weekly post, and every night when I say the Shema in the before
Brocha where we say Hashem Creates light and darkness and rolls away light
before dark and dark before light, I will think of this beautiful insight of
Hashem’s kindness when he slowly switches on and off the lights!
I recall reading in Rabbi Tanchuma
Midrash that the Torah begins with kindness, we also find his kindness in the middle
and at the end – Hashem clothing Adam and Eve, in the middle Hashem visiting
the sick Abraham after having a Bris, and at the End Hashem burying Moshe.
I also want to reflect on two other
kindnesses of the creator the first is mentioned in the Kitzur Shulcan Aruch,
which points out that if G-d had made the sky white, we would all be blind, so
he made it a pleasant blue.
Rabbi Bachya pointed out in the gate
of reflection, that if Hashem had created our ears hard, it would be difficult
and uncomfortable to sleep well. How
many are the kindnesses you do for us – indeed there are many we do not even
realise!!!
Have a good Week
G-d Bless
Michael
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