In this week’s Torah portion, Re’eh, we catch a glimpse of the society the Israelites envisioned building upon reaching the Promised Land. It’s a picture of a harmonious community where everyone is cared for, celebrations abound, and prosperity is shared. The Torah even promises that there will be no poverty among them.
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As we delve into Parashat Eikev this Shabbat, two key lessons stand out: the risk of taking our blessings for granted and the deep-rooted connection between our people and the Land of Israel.
Moses cautions the Israelites about forgetting God once they enter the Promised Land and enjoy its bounty. He warns against the temptation to think, “My own power and the might of my own hand have won this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17). This age-old warning resonates today. It’s all too easy to overlook the true source of our success, believing it stems solely from our own efforts. But Torah reminds us that our prosperity, like all blessings, ultimately comes from a higher source.
In our modern world, which often values self-reliance, we’re called to remember the importance of humility in our spiritual lives. Recognising that we’re part of something greater keeps us grounded, grateful, and shields us from the pitfalls of pride.
Parashat Eikev also highlights the special bond between our people and the Land of Israel. The land is portrayed as a gift, a place of abundance, contrasting with Egypt’s hardships. But this gift comes with conditions, tied to our covenant. The Torah teaches that our continued presence in the land depends on following God’s commandments.
The modern thinker Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel saw Israel not just as a place on a map, but as a spiritual inheritance. He taught that the land connects us tangibly to our ancestors and offers a space to live out ideals of justice, compassion, and holiness. Heschel explained that our covenant includes not just God and people but the land itself, which calls for ethical behaviour from those who dwell there.
As progressive Jews, we can honour this covenant by ensuring our connection to Israel is rooted in our faith’s core values. This means striving for a society that embodies justice and peace, both within Israel and in our interactions with all peoples. It means seeing the land as a place of shared history and sacred duty, where our actions must align with our highest ideals.
This Shabbat, let’s commit to cultivating humility and gratitude to counter the complacency that can come with success. Let’s also reaffirm our bond with Israel, understanding that our covenant includes a responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness there. In doing so, we honour our ancient tradition while shaping its renewal for our time, working towards a future that reflects our deepest values.
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Adrian
On this Tu B’Av, the festival of love, may the divine spark of love illuminate your hearts and guide your souls. May those who are in love be blessed with a deep and enduring connection, filled with understanding, joy, and shared dreams. For those seeking love, may you find a partner who cherishes your spirit, honours your essence, and joins you on a path of mutual growth and fulfilment. And for all who carry love in their hearts, may your love be a beacon of light, spreading warmth and compassion to the world around you.
May you be blessed with love that is kind, patient, and true, a love that reflects the eternal bond between the Creator and creation. May your hearts always be open to giving and receiving love in all its beautiful forms, and may you find peace, happiness, and completeness in the embrace of that love.
Baruch Ata Adonai, Shehecheyanu V’kiyemanu V’higiyanu L’zman Hazeh—Blessed are You, Adonai, who has sustained us, upheld us, and brought us to this season of love.
This week, Chayim and I had the pleasure of seeing the musical Hello, Dolly! It’s a joy and cheerful production, filled with music, laughter, and the charm of its main character, Dolly Levi, played by the wonderful Imelda Staunton.
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As we enter the last seven weeks before Rosh HaShanah, our hearts naturally turn towards reflection and preparation. This period is an invitation to pause and consider our past year, our deeds, and our relationships. Yet, beyond introspection, it is also a time to embrace a profound sense of Zuversicht—a German word that encapsulates optimism, confidence, and hope.
Zuversicht is not just a passive feeling but an active state of being. It encourages us to move forward with a positive outlook, trusting that the world is indeed a place worth living in and enjoying every moment. This mindset aligns perfectly with the essence of Shabbat, a day that celebrates the beauty of creation, the joy of family and community, and the renewal of our spirits.
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In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it can be challenging to find moments for reflection and introspection. Yet, the Jewish calendar offers us profound opportunities to pause and contemplate, one of which is Tisha B’Av. This solemn day commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, serving as a time to remember and mourn the numerous tragedies that have befallen our people throughout history.
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As we delve into Parashat Matot-Masei, we encounter a detailed account of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, highlighting their encampments and the stages of their travels. The Torah meticulously lists each place where they stopped, underscoring not just the movement but also the moments of rest. This detailed itinerary is more than a historical record; it serves as a profound lesson about the rhythm of life and the human need for periodic rest.
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