Eikev 5768

Anyone who has ever been to Israel or even seen photos of the country would agree that Israel is a land of beauty.  I have experienced this beauty during trips to Jerusalem, the Negev desert, and the Mediterranean Sea.  This week’s Torah portion, Eikev, provides a poetic description of the beauty of Israel: "For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with streams and springs and fountains issuing from plain and hill; a land of wheat and barley, of [grape] vines, figs and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and [date] honey; a land where you may eat food without stint, and where you will lack nothing" (Deuteronomy 8:7–10).  What I find remarkable about this description is the accuracy of the text in both biblical and current times.  Even though these words were written thousands of years ago, they are still relevant today.

 

In this parsha the Israelites find themselves listening to Moses on the cusp of entering the Land.  Naturally, they are eager to get into Canaan, for they have been in the wilderness for quite some time.  Just when the Israelites feel that they are close to the land, Moses reminds them of their experiences during the journey. For example, he remembers the positive experience of the Exodus from Egypt and the negative experience of the Golden Calf.  The Israelites find themselves in a period of anticipation and reflection, just as one might prepare for or reflect on a trip to Israel.  Moses’ reflection of the journey helps the Israelites appreciate their covenant with God and the promise of Canaan.

 

This is one of many instances in the Torah when Moses and God work together to show God’s power.  In this week’s portion, we see this model when the Israelites receive manna to eat, “in order to teach you that human beings do not live on bread alone, but that they may live on anything that God decrees” (Deuteronomy 8:3).  Parshat Eikev is a reminder of our relationship with God and our responsibility to perform Mitzvot, as well as our role in ensuring that we will be provided with everything we need in our lives.

 

The Israelites are challenged to reflect on their experiences in the wilderness and to keep Mitzvot before entering the Promised Land.  Similarly, visitors to Israel often feel these emotions.  As you prepare for your next trip, be it to Israel or elsewhere, let these words of Torah help you reflect on your relationship with God so that you may grow and move forward from one journey to the next.

 

I wish you a wonderful Shabbat,

 

Philip Sherman