In this week’s Torah portion Eikev, the word eikev is used atypically to mean “because.” Foremost Torah commentator Rashi explains that the choice of this word is to emphasize the seemingly less important mitzvot (commandments) that would get trampled under the eikev – heel.
Thus, “because” we will listen and do those mitzvot that might be considered unimportant, we will experience multi-fold blessings, including miraculous victories over those whom we fear.
Regarding mitzvot, we typically focus our energy on the ones we deem important. Our yetzer hara (inclination to do evil), convinces us that it makes sense to focus on the “important” ones, while pushing off the others, thereby trampling them under our “heel.”
Eikev encourages us to take a different approach to mitzvot. To defy our yetzer hara and simply do the mitzva because it is G-d’s will. Then all mitzvot are seen as equal. We do the mitzvot in a manner that is beyond our mind’s understanding.
When we take this approach toward G-d and His commandments, going beyond our understanding and doing His will, He in turn goes beyond the natural order and shows us miracles.
Our portion also contains the verse, “And now Israel, what is G-d your G-d asking of you? Only to revere Him, to walk in His ways, to love Him...”
What is G-d asking of us? How does one revere and love Him?
When G-d created this world, He hid His presence. Had His presence not been hidden, it would have been so imposing, that we would only be able to do His will; we would not have a choice. So G-d’s “hiddenness” enables freedom of choice.
Being that G-d can’t be seen, it is possible to forget for moments, that He is here. But G-d wants us to make Him a real part of our lives. He wants us to develop such a close relationship with Him that His presence feels as if we could see Him.
Like in any close, meaningful relationship, it requires a strong commitment to get to know G-d. We do that through the study of His Torah and prayer. When we freely refer to G-d in our casual conversation: “thank G-d” “with G-d’s help” “G-d willing,” we develop our relationship with Him. If, when making an important decision, we ask, “What does G-d want?” we strengthen that relationship.
When we feel G-d in our homes and in our lives, we can’t help but follow in His ways. Make G-d’s presence important in our homes is true reverence. The more we develop our relationship with G-d, the more our lives become an expression of our love for Him.
Adapted by Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz from the teachings of the Rebbe, yitzihurwitz.blogspot.com. Rabbi Hurwitz, who is battling ALS, and his wife Dina, are emissaries of the Rebbe in Temecula, Ca.
