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Parshat Eikev

By: SFW Students & Alumna
Esti Levy

This week’s parsha begins with Moshe continuing to encourage Bnei Yisrael to trust in Hashem and in the wonderful rewards He will provide them if they keep the Torah, the sacred covenant. The first pasuk starts with “Vihaya Eikev Tishm’un Et Hamishpatim Ha’ayle…” “

Not more than six words have been written and immediately there is much to discuss regarding the Torah’s choice of words here, specifically “Eikev,” which is most commonly translated as “because of” or  “if only”. The commentators offer an array of definitions for the word “eikev”, including ‘in exchange for’, or ‘on account of’. These two definitions place a specific emphasis on the Brit between the Jewish nation and Hashem, and its attendant obligations in order for it to be fulfilled. Most commentators understand it as a word which is used to associate reward with positive action. The Midrash, however, sticks with the literal translation of “Eikev” meaning “heel”. This is very puzzling, for why would the word “heel” be used in this context, and with such prominence?

The most familiar explanation of the Midrash, famously quoted by Rashi (Perek 7:12), is that “Eikev” stresses obedience to those mitzvot that a person is inclined to treat lightly.  People might regard certain mitzvot as being less significant than others and in essence these people are “stepping on” those mitzvot with their heels, figuratively speaking of course. 

The Torah here is teaching us a valuable lesson, and that is that Bnei Yisrael must make sure to give equal time to ALL Mitzvot, whether big or small, ascribing equal significance to every single mitzvah, and only then will they get the special rewards promised by G-d, discussed in great detail throughout our Parsha. By extension, today we too must treat mitzvot with equal concern and care, and we should give no thought to whether or not our reward for obedience will be great or small. Driving your sister to the mall is as important and necessary as striving not to speak Lashon Hara.

It all comes back to those seemingly small and regular Mitzvot that will help one attain spirituality, those that are normally ignored.  By performing those Mitzvot one can reach a spiritual high, and can use even uncommon and sporadic Mitzvot to elevate himself , because the more common Mitzvot will be fulfilled based on a desire to fulfill all Mitzvot and not just the uncommon and “special” Mitzvot.

Through our scrupulous efforts to embrace all of Hashem's laws wholeheartedly and strive towards their observance in their entirety, no matter how great or small we perceive them, may we all be zoche to enjoy our well earned rewards in Olam Haba, and through our Mitzvot may our tefilot be answered to bring peace upon Israel and to Jews everywhere, and to bring Melech Hamashiach speedily in our days.

Have a good shabbos!

(This dvar torah is partly in thanks to ideas from the sefer "Peninim on the Torah")