Eikev – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“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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“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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“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

“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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“And you will say in your heart, it is my strength and the power of my hand that performed this valorous deed… and walk after other gods and serve them.” (8:17-19)

As Bnei Yisrael neared the culmination of their forty year trek in the desert, Moshe warned them of the pitfalls that might accompany their successful entry into Eretz Yisrael. As they forged their way, conquering the seven nations whose might was to prove no match for the Divinely ordained army of Bnei Yisrael, they might fall prey to pride and haughtiness. They might even begin to believe that their own military prowess enabled them to defeat their enemies. They might forget that it was Hashem who had promised them that these events would occur and that it was only through…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Eikev, 5752

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from Beeros Bnei Yaakon to Moserah, there Aharon died and there he was buried.” (10:6)

A number of questions concerning the text of this pasuk are appropriate. First, Bnei Yisrael did not travel from Beeros to Moserah. On the contrary, Moserah preceded Beeros in their list of encampments. Rashi cites the Midrash which explains that this was actually part of Moshe’s rebuke to Bnei Yisrael. Aharon’s death at Har Hahar effected the departure of the clouds of glory, which had previously protected them in the desert. This change caused great consternation among many of the people. In the ensuing confusion, the people attempted to return to Egypt. After traveling back eight encampments to Moserah they…

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

Rashi explains the apparent redundancy of the verb listen with the comment “If you will listen to the old, then you will listen to the new.” The old and the new each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The old maintains a certain authoritative authenticity which is not characteristic of the new. The old has demonstrated stability and strength by withstanding the test of time. On the other hand, the old lacks the freshness which is a unique component of the new. The heritage of the past should guide and inspire the framework during every new step. While novelty…

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

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

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

“And you will say in your heart, it is my strength and the power of my hand that performed this valorous deed… and walk after other gods and serve them.” (8:17-19)

“And Bnei Yisrael journeyed from Beeros Bnei Yaakon to Moserah, there Aharon died and there he was buried.” (10:6)

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

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

“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)

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

YEARS

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