When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week we read from Parashat Eikev (עֵקֶב), the 46th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings.
According to Wikipedia, Eikev (עֵקֶב), Deuteronomy 7:12 through 11:25, contains 6,865 Hebrew letters, 1,747 words, 111 verses and makes up 232 lines of the Torah scroll. Eikev reminds us of the many blessings of obedience to G-d as well as the dangers of forgetting G-d. Eikev also recounts the making and re-making of the Tablets of Stone, the incident of the Golden Calf, Aaron’s death and the duties of a Levite.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Eikev for Shabbat, August 16, 2024 aka 22 Av 5785:
“Do people who consider themselves observant have an advantage over those who are not? This is a discussion that Moses addresses in Sedra Ekev. Moses understands the inherent danger of become too self-righteous by those who receive all of G-d’s blessings. We observe this, even in modern times, by individuals who label themselves as Chasidim or Tzadikim to the exclusion of the common folks. The Rabbis teach in Mishneh Avot, “do not separate yourself from the community”, yet there are those who feel the necessity to isolate themselves from society fearing that its evil influences will cause their children to be drawn away from the ways of Torah. While this is certainly a legitimate concern, it can lead to aloofness and the unwillingness of some to reach out to their fellow Jews through love and understanding to bring them back into appreciation of Torah and mitzvot.
In chapter 10 of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people that each day affords us an opportunity to renew the Covenant with G-d. Just as G-d forgave us for the sin of the golden calf, G-d was willing to forgive and give us a new set of tablets which represents our partnership. Part of that partnership should always be including and respecting our fellow Jews in different walks of life. Our part of the Covenant is to adhere to the Mitzvot and to honor G-d by our words, actions, and deeds and by reaching out without condescending to those who need guidance. This is emphasized by the number of the 613 mitzvot being far greater in relationships with our fellow human beings that our relationship with G-d. Moses is teaching us that we are only worthy of blessings is we treat others fairly and establish justice and kindness. Our concern for others is not restricted only to those whose beliefs are similar to ours. Indeed, our mission is to reach out with kindness to include those who don’t necessarily believe as we do but are created in G-d’s image as we are.”
Questions to consider:
- What is Moses trying to teach us by saying “we do not live by bread alone”?
- How was Moses concern valid about the haughtiness and entitledness of future generations?
- Why does Moses continue to exhort about eliminating idolatrous symbols in Israel?
- Why does Moses say that the Land will be reinhabited little by little and not immediately?
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
This moment of Jewish Learning is brought to you by the Florida Region of FJMC International (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at www.floridaregionfjmc.org and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
FJMC International is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing members throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn more about how your Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
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