Eikev – Peninim on the Torah

“For if you will observe this entire commandment that I command you.” (11:22)

The parsha concludes with a last exhortation to be diligent in keeping mitzvos. Indeed, the entire parsha seems to focus upon mitzvah observance. This prompts Chazal to comment, vcrv ch,f ohruna . The word rna, “to keep,” is repeated a number of times in this parsha. Why is this issue reiterated? Chazal respond with a thoughtful remark, “Perhaps you might say, ‘there are elders among us, there are great men among us, there are prophets among us, so what is there for us to keep’.” The Torah responds, iurna, runa , “You must also keep…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5755

“And it shall come to pass if you will listen diligently to My mitzvos.” (11:13)

If one were to translate this pasuk literally it would read, “If you listen gna ot, then ugna,, you will listen.” This interpretation communicates a different message which has great meaning. First, we must begin to listen, the rest will come later. One who refrains from beginning to listen obviously cannot continue listening. A specific process guides mitzvah observance. We must take the first step and then build upon the foundation which we have created. All too often, people become overwhelmed by the magnitude of Torah and mitzvos. They are confounded by their inability to grasp the entire storehouse of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5755

“And what He did to Dasan and Aviram the sons of Eliav son of Reuven.” (11:6)The Ramban notes the fact that when the Torah recounts Klal Yisrael’s iniquities, it mentions the conflict in which Dasan and Aviram participated. It does not, however, mention the leader of the conflict, Korach. He explains that Korach transgressed in an invidious manner, by offering a strange fire for the ketores. This precluded his name from being “remembered” in the Torah. The Ramban’s words lend profound insight into the character of those whose names are mentioned in the Torah. It also indicates that mention in the Torah — even as a scoundrel — is still viewed as meritorious. Horav Chaim Elazary, z.l., offers a different perspective for the exclusion of Korach’s name from the Torah. Korach’s behavior, albeit reprehensible, was justifiable in his own mind. His contention had a “purpose;” he had a definite goal which he strived to achieve. Korach desired to be the Nasi of Shevet Levi and, ultimately, the leader of Am Yisrael. This burning desire, this perverted sense of mission, was all Korach needed to drive him to his own doom. He did have a mission; he was performing an act which he could, in his own mind, rationalize. Dasan and Aviram, on the other hand, were nothing more than bitter miscreants. Their acrimonious nature led them from conflict to conflict, seeking out to undermine everything and everyone with whom they came in contact. They had no goal other than conflict, no rationale other than contention. They were truly the embodiment of balei machlo’kes, people who constantly involve themselves in dispute. This malevolent character “earned” them entry into the Eternal Book, the Torah.

The Ramban notes the fact that when the Torah recounts Klal Yisrael’s iniquities, it mentions the conflict in which Dasan and Aviram participated. It does not, however, mention the leader of the conflict, Korach. He explains that Korach transgressed in an invidious manner, by offering a strange fire for the ketores. This precluded his name from being “remembered” in the Torah. The Ramban’s words lend profound insight into the character of those whose names are mentioned in the Torah. It also indicates that mention in the Torah — even as a scoundrel — is still viewed as meritorious. Horav Chaim…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5755

“You shall love the ger/convert because you were geirim (strangers) in the land of Egypt.” (10:19)

Although the convert is included in the mitzvah to love all Jews, the Torah, nevertheless, stresses this mitzvah. The Sefer Ha’Chinuch infers that the extra warning adjuring us to love the ger applies in all areas of human relationship. The ger symbolizes the Jew who has no “protection,” no family pedigree, and probably very few friends. It is regrettably much easier to mistreat the ger than an ordinary Jew. Having cut himself off from his roots, he feels isolated in his quest for genuine acceptance and friendship. The Sefer Ha’Chinuch states that this mitzvah is broadened to include all strangers,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5755

“You will not be able to annihilate them quickly, lest the beasts of the field increase against you.” (7:22)

Hashem assures Klal Yisrael of staggering success in vanquishing their enemies. Moreover, it was to be accomplished in a manner that would cause them no harm, even from the wild beasts. By effecting a slow offensive, vast portions of land would not be left unpopulated, allowing for the stray wild beasts to “move in.” True, a quick victory could have been achieved, but at an unacceptable price. This seems enigmatic. Would it have been “difficult” for Hashem to simply contain the wild beasts so that they not harm the Jews ? Obviously, another reason mitigated for a “slow victory.” Horav…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5755

“This shall be the reward when you listen to these ordinances.” (7:12)

Hashem assures Klal Yisrael of a remarkable reward if they will listen to His mitzvos. The word ceg also means heel. In this context, Rashi explains that it alludes to the type of mitzvah that people may regard as insignificant. Consequently, they tend to “step on them with their heels.” The Torah encourages the Jews to be cognizant of these “neglected” mitzvos by promising them great rewards for observing them. This special reward consists of physical blessing in the form of increased size of one’s family and abundant herds and crops. What is the connection between observing neglected mitzvos and…

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“For if you will observe this entire commandment that I command you.” (11:22)

“And it shall come to pass if you will listen diligently to My mitzvos.” (11:13)

“You shall love the ger/convert because you were geirim (strangers) in the land of Egypt.” (10:19)

“You will not be able to annihilate them quickly, lest the beasts of the field increase against you.” (7:22)

“This shall be the reward when you listen to these ordinances.” (7:12)

YEARS

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