In this weeks parsha, an uncommon word עקב, Eikev, is used to say "because". Rashi explains that this refers to seemingly less important mitzvahs, that get trampled under the עקב (heel). That "because" we will listen and do those mitzvahs, we will be blessed with a whole list of blessings, including miraculous victories over those we fear.
What is the connection between these mitzvahs and miracles?
Thinking of mitzvahs, there are the ones we see as important. We focus our energy on those, while other mitzvahs end up trampled under our heal. Our yetzer hora, evil inclination, convinces us that it makes sense to focus on these, while pushing off the others.
The idea of Eikev is to take a different approach to mitzvahs. To defy our yetzer hora and dooing the mitzvahs, because they are HaShem's will. Then all mitzvahs are seen as equal. We do them because we are מאמינים בני מאמינים, believers children of believers. It is excepting beyond our minds understanding.
When we take this approach toward HaShem and mitzvahs, going beyond our understanding and doing His will, He in turn goes beyond the natural order to treat us to miracles.
Here is what we could do to help our brothers and sisters all over the world and especially in israel. By taking on those mitzvahs we routinely push off using logical arguments. Doing them only because HaShem wants us to.
Watching the soldiers in Israel, dancing together, more observant and less observant together, singing we are believers the children of believers. It warms my heart, because I know that we are in good hands, HaShem's.
Wonderfu articlel. You're in my daily thoughts and prayers. May you continue the great work you've done.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rabbi for adding your meaningful insight. We look forward to your posts, and pray at least three times daily for you. We should all think of a mitzvah we would normally avoid and do it in your honor!
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