It’s mid-summer. Many of us are still brushing sand from our shoes, planning weekend barbecues, or scrolling through photos of mountains, beaches, and ice creams. The air feels slow, even the synagogue seems to exhale a little in August. And then comes Eikev, this week’s portion, nudging us softly, but persistently, toward reflection.
Moses, in Eikev, warns the Israelites not to become complacent in the land’s abundance. “You shall eat and be satisfied, and bless.” But then he adds: “Take care that you do not forget Adonai your God.” (Deuteronomy 8:10–11)
It’s such a timely warning. When things are comfortable, when the days are long and sweet, it’s easy to drift. Not maliciously, just softly forgetful. Gratitude fades. The urgency of the spirit loosens its grip.
And yet, the High Holy Days are only weeks away. Soon we’ll be asked to turn inward, to weigh our choices, our words, our silences. But how do we switch from lazy August to soul inventory mode?
Eikev gives us another clue. It’s not about sudden change. It’s about remembrance. About building awareness in the small, quiet acts, such as blessing food, noticing beauty, and walking humbly. Even on holiday. Even in leisure.
Perhaps this is the spiritual discipline of August: not guilt for resting, but mindful resting. Not forcing ourselves to leap into teshuvah mode before we’re ready, but sowing little seeds of gratitude, attentiveness, and kindness now that will grow into readiness by the time the shofar calls.
So this Shabbat, let’s take Moses’ words gently to heart. Let’s allow Eikev to begin that inner shift. Not from pleasure to pressure, but from comfort to awareness. The High Holy Days will come. Our souls will catch up. And if we begin now, with one small act of remembering, we’ll meet them ready, whole, and awake.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Adrian
