The classic refrain of the modern family road trip, "Are we there yet?", can be heard implicitly in the ancient words of Parashah Eikev. While the text has moved past its initial step by step travelogue, no longer intent on reminding us of each and every pit stop, we are not yet ready to put the journey behind us.
In a different place, long ago, in the core of Eikev, we can hear the slow, ungainly, quiet steps of Moses as he descends from the mountain, holding the two tablets of the covenant in both of his reverent hands. He holds them with two hands and breaks them with two hands.
It is a paradox, really. People of real worth tend to have worth because of their belief in their unworthiness. That's one of Moses's messages to the Israelites in this week's Torah portion, Eikev.
I have been a long-distance runner for most of my adult life: marathons, half-marathons, ultra-marathons, adventure races. Of all the places I’ve run, nothing really compares to the beauty—both natural and man-made–in Jerusalem, my newly adopted home.
In this week’s portion, Parashat Eikev, Moses’s great sermon continues with powerful rhetorical impact by reinforcing the theology on Divine reward and punishment.
Torah Commentary
Are We There Yet?
Even if You Don't Listen, the Voice Will Still Be Heard
To Be Worthy
Expressing Gratitude for Our Magnificent Planet That Sustains All Life
I have been a long-distance runner for most of my adult life: marathons, half-marathons, ultra-marathons, adventure races. Of all the places I’ve run, nothing really compares to the beauty—both natural and man-made–in Jerusalem, my newly adopted home.
“Revelation is Progressive”: Our Responsibility to Live in Pursuit of Holiness
In this week’s portion, Parashat Eikev, Moses’s great sermon continues with powerful rhetorical impact by reinforcing the theology on Divine reward and punishment.