Dear Friends
The beginning of our Torah portion this week reads “V’hayah eikev tishm’un…” which is translated in our chumash as “And if you do adhere to these rules and commandments …” The traditional biblical commentator Rashi offers an insight into the word Eikev, that transforms the way we can understand the beginning of our Torah portion, and the role of rules, commandments, and Jewish traditions in our lives.
Rashi suggests that the word Eikev could be translated as “foot” or “heal.” Therefore, according to Rashi, this verse is not stressing the importance of all of the mitzvot and commandments, but specifically some of the smaller ones, mitzvot that we would normally step on or over with our feet. These mitzvot can often be some of the most meaningful and important ways to engage, as long as we pay attention to them.
I think that Rashi’s perspective is an important one. Judaism has a lot of mitzvot and traditions. Usually the larger and flashier ones, holiday celebrations for example, get the most attention. But Judaism has so much else to offer. There are so many smaller, less significant customs and traditions that can inspire, guide us, and affect us in all areas of our lives. What Eikev is reminding us to do is to pay more attention to them. Whether it is something new that we may not have heard of before, or maybe something small and simple that we take for granted, ignore, or overlook, some of the smaller things in life can have the biggest impact.
It is my hope and prayer for all of this Shabbat that we take a moment to Eikev, to pause, reflect, and be grateful for all the many ways, both big and small, that Judaism, Jewish tradition, and Jewish community, enrich our lives.
Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
