Each week Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City, looks at the Torah Portion of the week and offers up Torah Thoughts. Also this week we'll be holding services and our Midrash on Shabbat. Let's go!
This week it is Parsha Ekev ("if you follow") which is the second word in the reading found in Deut. 7:12 - 11:25. "This shall be your reward if you follow these commandments..." Interestingly the Hebrew word "Ekev" according to Rashi also means "heel". What has that got to do with this Torah Portion?
This alludes to the notion that people may consider some of the commandments to be relatively unimportant. So, they might, figuratively, "tread on them with their heel". Here the Torah is telling us that Israel should be careful to observe even those commandments that might be neglected. Why? So that G-d will reward us with his covenant and kindness.
In this portion we also are reminded of what is important. Moses continues to share with the people that they will be guaranteed a good life if they follow the mitzvot (commandments). He then reminds us that we should not become distracted by material success and focus on that rather than the promise from G-d.
How timely is that for today?
It's easy to focus on our efforts as we build a career and a life. Far too often we fail to be truly thankful for what we have achieved and place our success on our own merits. True, there is nothing wrong with a little self praise. But, if we forget what G-d tells us in this parsha we do so at our own risk.
G-d says that if we follow these commandments that He will love us, bless us and allow us to prosper. Sure we need to help out. Simply being mindful of the mitzvot isn't quite good enough. The Torah calls us to action. We must do...and observe.
In this portion we are also warned about false gods, idolatry and love of self.
Here we also have Moses dispelling a common misconception. Some people may think that "Man does not live by bread alone" means that a person needs additional foods beyond bread to survive. The quotation in its entirety is, "Man does not live by bread alone ... but by all that comes out of G-d's mouth" (Deut. 8:3).
Finally, there is an answer to a question that we have all asked, "What does G-d expect of me?"
The answer comes to us in this Torah reading, "Only that you remain in awe of G-d your L-rd, so that you will follow all His paths and love Him, serving G-d your L-rd with all your heart and with all your soul. You must keep G-d's commandments and decrees ... so that all good will be yours" (Deut. 10:12).
How much more clear is the path forward?
SERVICE SCHEDULE
This Friday, the 23rd, we'll hold our monthly Erv Shabbat Service at 7:15pm then on Shabbat (Saturday) we'll hold our regular Midrash (Bible Study) starting at 10:00am. Our focus will be on Parsha Ekev and we'll also hear from a guest who will be with us to discuss Israel and the 2020 presidential race.
Everyone is welcome.
See you in Shul!
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