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Home -> 5751 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5751

“And what was done to Dasan and Aviram … how the earth opened up her mouth and swallowed them up.” (11:6)

The punishment meted out to these two wicked individuals for their participation in Korach’s quarrel is alluded to in this posuk. It seems puzzling that the Torah would mention Dasan and Aviram and not mention Korach who was the central figure and chief antagonist in this quarrel. We may derive from this apparent exclusion a lesson in the proper approach when rebuking someone. It is extremely important that one be aware of the feelings of the one who is being reprimanded, not to cause him any embarrassment and discomfort. Korach’s sons, once they repented, were spared from Hashem’s punishment. They…

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Home -> 5751 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5751

“That, as a man chastises his son, so Hashem chastises you.” (8:5)

The unique character of a parent’s chastisement is poignantly characterized by Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer Zt”l in explaining the posuk in Tehilim (23): “Though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me”. He draws an analogy to a father who is walking with his son in a heavily wooded and uncharted forest. Prior to entering the area the father cautions his son very strongly against separating from him even momentarily. He vividly describes to him the life – threatening danger and peril associated with walking in this forest…

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Home -> 5751 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5751

“All the commandments which I command you today, you shall observe to do so that you may live and multiply and go and take the land into possession.” (8:1)

In the previous chapter, the Torah dealt with the abolishment of any form of heathenism, as well as the removal of idols and anything even remotely connected with them from the Jewish domain. This chapter deals with the positive aspects of serving Hashem, as Bnei Yisroel had come to realize. This recognition requires the understanding that only through a faithful carrying out of our mission in this world, and an adherence to Hashem’s mitzvos, will there be permanent happiness in our life. Nothing in a heathenistic lifestyle can contribute in the slightest to our happiness; even the smallest heathen tinge…

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Home -> 5751 -> Eikev

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Eikev, 5751

“And it shall be because you will listen to these laws.” (7:12)

  Rashi explains the word ceg as referring to those mitzvos on which one tramples with his heels WYBQE (ie. which one treats lightly). The word eikev, which means “heel”, is analogously used here to apply to those mitzvos to which one’s attitude is at best complacent. The Torah is warning us to take heed with regard to these mitzvos and apply ourselves properly to their performance. Rabbi Eliezer Gordon Zt”l employs the word “eikev” in a somewhat different manner. When one performs a mitzvah publicly or in association with others, the outcome of this action, is in reality, two…

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