Parasha Summary - Ekev | Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Beit Midrash

Beit Midrash

Torah Portion and Tanach
D'varim
Ekev

קטגוריה משנית

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Moshe continues his final charge to Bnei Yisrael. He encourages them to trust in Hashem, who will reward them greatly for observing the Torah. One primary reward will be the successful conquest of Canaan, which will necessitate the removal of all idolatry found there, for idolatry pollutes the pristine spirituality that is meant to exist in Eretz Yisrael.

Moshe recounts the great miracles experienced by the people in the desert - such as the Mahn as well as the sins committed in the past 40 years, such as that of the Golden Calf - the Egel HaZahav. He warns the people not to become too over-confident or to believe that we survive through our own efforts alone.

Moshe emphasizes the greatness of Israel & its inseparable connection to our people. It is a Land watched constantly by G-d, a land of plenty whose abundance is symbolized by the Sheva Minim, the 7 varieties of indigenous fruit.

The second paragraph of the Sh'ma details the rewards & punishments that come our way based upon our performance of the Mitzvot. One of these rewards is eternal protection & prosperity.

Ekev