Why does the Torah use the word “eikev” and not the word “kee” as usual? The Rebbe explains the Midrash Tanchumah on this pasuk, that it is referring to someone who agrees that he must also keep the lighter mitzvos. However, he pushes them down to the bottom of the stack. Figuratively speaking, he throws them under his heel.
According to this person, there should be an orderly fashion as to how one fulfills mitzvos, based on a logical hierarchical calculation. First, one should work on and perfect the more important mitzvos; then, he should work on the less important mitzvos and hiddurim, etc.
The Torah is telling this type of person that if he does not make this calculation and push off certain mitzvos, he will be rewarded with Hashem’s kindness: “I will love you, bless you, and multiply you.”
Our Sages tell us that the word “mitzvah” comes from the word “tzavsa,” to connect. When a person realizes that the point of every single mitzvah is to connect with Hashem, he understands that there is no such thing as a “small mitzvah.” He is connecting to Hashem, and that is BIG!
=== Based on Lekutei Sichos, v. 19 pp 89-91.
U FARATZTA
RABBI SHALOM BER MUNITZ
