The Midrash adds to this pasuk. “In the merit of the mitzvos that you perform in the city you will be blessed therein; and in the merit of the mitzvos which you perform in the field, you will be blessed in the field.” What is this message and what are the mitzvos of the city and the field?
Horav Mordechai Rogov z.l. interprets this Midrash homiletically. The city is an analogy for rest and solitude, peace and tranquility. It alludes to life in a structured, secure environment. The field, on the other hand, represents a place fraught with danger and exposure to the elements, be they animals or people who lurk in strange places seeking someone to prey upon. The strength of Am Yisrael is their ability to serve Hashem under all conditions, in all circumstances — regardless of their personal or collective situation. When they are in the city, living in peaceful and secure times, when life in general — and personal circumstances in particular — is propitious for mitzvah observance, they should not fall prey to complaisance and self-satisfaction. Even when they are in the field, constantly running from place to place, living in fear of their next oppressor, suffering the pains of countless beatings and torture — even then they should still serve Hashem with all their heart and soul.
“Selective” Judaism is not the correct way to serve Hashem. Tuning in for certain mitzvos and turning off for those that make demands on our time, money, and personal agenda, is wrong. One must learn to integrate mitzvah observance and Torah study into all areas of his lifestyle, under all conditions, so that this observance will truly be a source of blessing.
