Eikev – Peninim on the Torah

“For if you will guard and continue guarding all this command ” (11:22)

It is not sufficient to study Torah. An individual must constantly review his Torah studies, so that they remain in his mind and becoame integrated into his personality. Indeed, the Sifri ascribes to this pasuk the admonition to repeat again and again that which we have learned. The Torah warns that, just as one has to be careful not to lose any penny that he has earned, he should likewise vigilantly guard against losing any Torah knowledge which he has acquired. In Iyov 28:7, Torah knowledge is compared to both gold and glass. Like gold, it is difficult to acquire,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from the springs of Bnei Yaakon to Mosera, there Aharon died.” (11:6)

The Ramban suggests that Har Ha’Har, upon which Aharon died, was actually a mountain ridge stretching from Mosera to Kadesh. Aharon climbed up to the ridge in Kadesh and died on top opposite Mt. Mosera. This explanation resolves the apparent contradiction concerning the place of Aharon’s demise, Mosera or Har Ha’Har. Horav Yekusiel Grunwald, z.l., offers a homiletic rendering of this pasuk which suggests a profound message. Mosera was the place where brother fought against brother with casualties falling on each side. After Aharon’s death, the Clouds of Glory departed, causing much consternation among Bnei Yisrael. Afraid of war…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And Hashem was very angry with Aharon to destroy him. And I prayed for Aharon also the same time.” (9:20)

Rashi explains that ushnavk, “to destroy him,” refers to the destruction of children. During the sin of the Golden Calf, Hashem dictated that Aharon was to be punished by the death of his children. Only through Moshe’s entreaty on his behalf were two of his sons spared, although two did die. The Mizrachi derives from Rashi’s statement that Nadav and Avihu died as a result of Aharon’s involvement in the Golden Calf. This idea, however, is inconsistent with Rashi in Shemos 24, where he states that they died as a result of beholding the glory of Hashem while they were…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And you say in your heart my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. But you should remember Hashem your G-d, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.” (8:17,18)

Horav E. Dessler, z.l., explains that all which comprises an individual’s creative personality, including his capacity to earn a livelihood, his intelligence, foresight, business acumen, and skill, are the products of Hashem’s beneficence. In fact, every facet of one’s existence is derived from Hashem. The miracle of physical and mental health is not the direct result of the nutrition inherent in the food we eat. Rather, Hashem employs the food as a vehicle by which He imparts this seemingly natural blessing. Horav Dessler cites Targum Onkelos, who explains that the thought process which catalyzes every endeavor is actually the work…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5753

“And you shall eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem your G-d for the good land which He has given you.” (8:10)

This pasuk implies that Bircas Ha’mazon is not merely a formal offering of gratitude for the meal which we have eaten. Rather, it proclaims our acknowledgment that Hashem is the source of all things. Indeed, we even submit our thanks to Hashem for providing us with our land. This seems enigmatic. Imagine being invited to someone’s home for dinner and, after the meal, thanking the host for the use of his furniture and home during the course of the meal. This expression of gratitude is undoubtedly excessive. Why, then, is it necessary to specifically mention the land during Bircas Ha’Mazon?…

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“For if you will guard and continue guarding all this command ” (11:22)

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from the springs of Bnei Yaakon to Mosera, there Aharon died.” (11:6)

“And Hashem was very angry with Aharon to destroy him. And I prayed for Aharon also the same time.” (9:20)

“And you say in your heart my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. But you should remember Hashem your G-d, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.” (8:17,18)

“And you shall eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem your G-d for the good land which He has given you.” (8:10)

YEARS

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