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