Parsashat Eikev

Yoni Amsalem – Year 8

This week’s parashah, Ekeiv, recounts Moshe speaking to the Israelites and impressing upon them that their impending entrance into the Promised Land (Israel) is as a result of God’s kindness, despite the many acts of Israelite’s misdeeds during their 40 years in the wilderness.

On the first occasion, Moshe describes the Land of Israel and the promise that God made to them that the land would be theirs as long as they observed the Commandments. He speaks of their enemies, the Canaanites, and reassures the Israelites that God will assist in defeating their enemies so they don’t have to be afraid.

The second, third and fourth time Moshe speaks to the Israelites, he warns them that they should remember who is responsible for their good fortune. He explains that it is not due to their merits, rather their forefathers’ faithfulness. Moshe mentions the incident with the Golden Calf on numerous occasions, to emphasise God’s forgiveness. He warns the Israelites of the importance of following God’s commandments and the consequences of not obeying God’s word which will lead to future exile.

The fifth, sixth and seventh time Moshe speaks to the Israelites, he focuses on the importance of demonstrating love for God and serving Him. He reminds them of the many miracles which occurred through their wanderings in the desert. The Land of Israel, he explains, is mostly desert and dry and so is dependent on God to provide rain. Finally Moshe informs the Israelites that if they live the way God desires and stay close to Him, they will live a happy, secure life in their new land, Israel.

I think the message that this parashah is providing us is that we can’t take things for granted and we must stick to the rules that God wants us to keep. For a long time Israel has been fighting wars with its enemies, despite the countless attempts to make peace. Even today, Israel is threatened by terrorism and antisemitism, all of which affects Israel’s security. Despite Israel being such a small country and defended by a comparatively small army, it would be reasonable to assume God’s influence in its ongoing survival.

Another important message of this parashah is that it is our personal responsibility to be the best individuals that we can be. We can see that our actions have a direct influence on things around us, whether that means making other people’s lives better, making a stronger nation or Jewish people. I think this is why it’s so important to follow God’s rules and commandments to keep Israel safe and our people flourishing.

Eden Sadra – Year 10

This week’s parashah, Eikev, is quite an important and controversial one in my opinion.

Moshe continues his ‘pep talk’ to the Israelites, promising them that if they fulfill the mitzvot of the Torah, they will be blessed in many ways, including the destruction of their Egyptian enemies and the prospering of their people in the Land of Israel, which they are about to conquer and settle.

Moshe tells them that as they enter the Promised Land there will be new-found fortune for everyone, but not to get carried away and forget who gave it to them. However, God also reminds them that as they enter the Land of Israel they are to know that it isn’t exactly because of their good behaviour. Moshe reminds them of the 40 year desert ordeal and the times they disobeyed and angered God, so that the Israelites realise how truly lucky they are to be getting a second chance.

The part I found important about this parashah is that at the very end of it, it states that God says to the Israelites that so long as we love God and walk the life path God has set for us and cleave to our God, basically living our lives thinking about God constantly, He will make sure no enemy shall challenge us in the Land of Israel.

Now we all know that ever since the State of Israel was established it’s had very tough challenges. We learn about all the wars Israel faced and constantly hear the tragedies that take place there, with soldiers and civilians dying much too often. We also know that these days part of the young Jewish generation is becoming quite disconnected from the idea of God entirely.

Quite often, these days, it’s the culture that people are connected to, the food, the festivals, the sense of community, certainly not the idea that every decision they make is to please God. But are these ideas connected at all? Are the trials and tribulations that Israel faces today really because we don’t all live our lives for God? The answer to this I don’t quite know, but it makes me think about what the Year 11s might have experienced on Chavayah and Camp last year and what the Year 10s will so soon experience as well.

Maybe this will be the chance for those of us who don’t feel a connection to God to finally feel something, maybe it’s going to take being around your best friends, or the people you barely talk to. But, for the lucky few of us who will feel or felt that spark of connection, maybe it’ll change us in some way. Maybe it will trigger a more passionate side in us to help our Jewish nation, to be proud and to truly believe that one day Israel will live in peace with all its neighbours.