Aliya-by-Aliya Sedra Summary

Aliya-by-Aliyah - Parashat Eikev

Kohen - First Aliya 25 p’sukim - 7:12-8:10
[P> 7:12 (5)] Moshe Rabeinu reiterates the “simple” deal that HaShem offers us: If we observe the mitzvot then He will keep the promises that He made to our ancestors. He will love us, bless us, and see to it that we flourish. We will be the most blessed among all the nations.
It behooves us to consider this fact that G-d repeatedly presents us with the alternative results of our faithfulness to Him and the opposite. This is what makes the second passage of the Sh’ma (see later in this sedra) so important to our daily routine. Although there is much overlap between the first two passages, it is the second one that states “the Deal”, and it is supposed to be a (twice) daily reminder and warning.
Following this, Moshe issues another of the many warnings against idolatry.
SDT: In the context of the opening p’sukim of the sedra, the word EKEV means “on the heels of”, “in the wake of…” (following G-d’s words).
Rashi takes the word to indicate mitzvot that people belittle and crush under their heel. With the careful observance of these mitzvot, G-d will keep His side of the deal.
Baal HaTurim presents a mini-mussar lesson based on the choice of the word EKEV. The heel represents humility, in that it always follows the toes and the rest of the foot (and body). Since it does not initiate action*, it does not run the risk of becoming arrogant. We must realize that humility is an important key in our following G-d’s words. Thus, the opening words of the sedra can be saying: “If you are humble and follow G-d’s commands, then…” (Note also that the heels support the entire body.)
*This does not suggest that initiative is a negative character trait. Done properly, while safegaurding against arrogance (shall we say), it is admirable and very positive.
[S> 7:17 (10)] Do not wonder how it will be possible to prevail against the many nations in the Land and do not fear them. The miracles witnessed in Egypt (and in the Midbar) will be repeated with other nations. Conquest of Eretz Yisrael will be slow so that the Land will not be overrun by wild animals.
Ponder this… Commentators ask, could not G-d Who split the sea and performed countless other miracles, prevent the problem with animals without drawing out the period of conquest? They explain that the period from Yetzi’at Mitzrayim until entering the Land was supernatural, filled with miracles, but it was an unnatural time. Food from heaven, miraculous well-water, clothes that we did not outgrow, shoes that did not wear out, and protection from the Clouds of Glory, all demonstrated G-d’s special relationship with the People and helped develop within them a special faith in G-d, but was not to be their way of life. Just as the fetus is protected and provided for during gestation and then emerges from the womb into the less perfect but “natural” world, so too Israel is soon to emerge from its womb to face the reality of the natural, “real” world. Hence, the warning about the animals. One can say that by warning us about the length of the period of conquest, G-d is telling us that the period of open miracles is ending (not completely), but a more exciting, more alive, more “real” period is to come.
No one will be able to stand before Israel. [This is as it SHOULD be, but its happening in reality depends on our collective “behavior”.] The idols of the nations shall be destroyed and we shall not desire their rich trap- pings. It is forbidden to derive benefit from the adornments of idolatry, even if they have not been worshiped [428,L22 7:25]. Nor may we have anything to do with idolatry, directly or even peripherally. We may not benefit from that which is consecrated to idolatry [429,L25 7:26].
[S> 8:1 (18)] All that G-d commands us in the Torah is for the purpose of living… in Eretz Yisrael.
SDT: This is an oft-repeated theme of Moshe’s words to the new generation that is soon to cross the Jordan River. It emphasizes the interdependence and inseparable nature of the three fundamental events that define the Jewish People - the Exodus, Matan Torah, and entry into Eretz Yisrael.
Moshe next asks us to remember the experiences of the years of wandering, the miracles as well as the tribulations. That was a testing period which set the stage for real life in Eretz Yisrael.
The Land is beautifully described and the Seven Species are enumerated.
This gives prominence to grain products (bread, pastry, etc.) in the realm of brachot and gives priority to wine and the five special fruits (among the Seven Species - the first two are grains).
The Torah commands us to “bench” after meals [430,A19 8:10].
MitzvaWatch
Chazal augmented this rule with a wide range of brachot to be recited before and after partaking of food, by which we express our appreciation and thanks to G-d for the bounty of His world. So too, the Sages required us to say brachot before mitzvot, as well as blessings of praise, request, and acknowledgment - to make us constantly aware of G-d and His role in the Creation and continuing maintenance of the world.
Based on the words of the command to say Birkat HaMazon, we are not only thanking G-d for the food, as would be expected, but also for the Land. This is reflected in the texts of Birkat HaMazon and “Al HaMichya” Since Birkat HaMazon is a mitzva which applies in all places (not just in Israel), commentaries ponder the significance of the reference to the Land.
Ramban says that when one looks back at the oppression in Egypt and remembers the harshness of the Wilderness, and is now enjoying the bounty of the Land of Israel, there is special cause to thank G-d. Even during times of exile, the significance of the Land (and the Torah) to the life of the Jewish People must not be overlooked. To paraphrase a chassidic interpretation of the pasuk which commands us to “bench”: One can eat anywhere and be satisfied physically, but to be spiritually satisfied as well - that happens only in THE natural environment of the Jew and his Torah - in Eretz Yisrael. Perhaps this is why Sefer HaChinuch speaks of the brachot for Torah-learning in the same context as Birkat HaMazon. “And you will eat and you will be satisfied…” - this refers to both physical and spiritual food - food of the body and food for the mind and soul.
The implication of Ramban’s words is that only in Eretz Yisrael can one be genuinely fulfilled in the performance of mitzvot. One can keep (many) mitzvot outside of Israel, but there is something vital lacking under those circumstances.
In the Midbar, Moshe taught us to thank G-d for our sustenance - the Manna. This is the theme of the first bracha of Birkat HaMazon. When Yehoshua brought the People into Eretz Yisrael, he inspired the 2nd bracha, acknowledging that there is much more to thank G-d for - the Land, the Torah, the Covenant with HaShem. These add the spiritual dimension to the otherwise physical act of eating. (The third bracha is attributed to both David and Shlomo for the Yerushalayim part and the Mikdash part respectively. The fourth bracha, which is d’Rabbanan, was added by the Beit Din of R’ Yochanan ben Zakkai.)

Levi - Second Aliya 13 p’sukim - 8:11-9:3
Until now, the People have periodically displayed lack of faith in G-d in troubled times (hunger, thirst, fear). At this point, Moshe issues a very different kind of warning. When the People will enter the Land, successfully defeat the nations therein, and begin to benefit from the spoils of war and the bounty of the Land, the potential exists to discount G-d’s role in their good fortune. Moshe warns: be careful to remember the One Who took us out of Egypt and fed us in the wilderness. Do not say: look what I accomplished with my own powers. Always remember that it is G-d who continuously keeps his promises to our ancestors.
The Torah’s point can be seen reflected in Birkat HaChodesh. In our text for Rosh Chodesh benching (next Shabbat IY"H), we ask for many good things in life. One item, we ask for twice - YIR’AT SHAMAYIM, fear (reverence) of G-d. Why twice? Perhaps, because after asking for it the first time, we ask for a life of wealth and honor. If G-d were to grant that request, it would be important for us to ask for YIR’AT SHAMAYIM again.
[P> 8:19 (2)] Know well that turning from G-d towards idolatry will result in annihilation, as it does for other nations.
[Perhaps we can infer this additional point: Don’t think that the specialness of the relationship G-d had with the Avot and the special relationship He has with us allows us to turn away from G-d and embrace idolatry with impunity. It does not.]
[P> 9:1 (26)] Notwithstanding the might of the nations we are about to face, have confidence that G-d will lead us to victory.
Note that the words that Moshe uses to describe the nations that we will face in Eretz Yisrael are very similar to the words used by the Meraglim when they panicked the People with their evil report on the Land. Moshe is not glossing over the difficulties that lie ahead. He is rather instilling confidence in the People that will come from faith in G-d and His promise to fight on our behalf. If an enemy is strong, you don’t mislead the people by saying that he is weak. You tell the truth and explain the special protection and help that we will have from G-d in battle.

Shlishi - Third Aliya 26 p’sukim - 9:4-29
Moshe next “put things in perspective”. We must not think that we deserve all that G-d is giving us, but rather we must remember the many times we angered G-d in the wilderness AND even at Sinai!
Some mitzva-counters consider this ZACHOR to be among the 613; Rambam and the Chinuch do not. This does not, however, minimize the significance of this command. [Some people have the custom of reciting a list of 6 or 10 Remembrances daily after Shacharit.]
Moshe now tells the People the devastating event of the Golden Calf. How glorious the events should have been when Moshe descended the Mount with the first Luchot. Moshe tells how G-d wanted to destroy the People and how he (Moshe) smashed the Luchot, interceded on behalf of the People, and returned to the mountain for another 40 days and nights of fasting and prayer.
Aharon too was subject to G-d’s anger. Rashi explains that G-d was angry at Aharon for “going along” with the People as far as he did. The implication, is that Aharon lost his sons as a result of G-d’s anger with him. Moshe’s prayers on behalf of his brother were partially successful - Aharon’s other two sons lived.
Inter alia, Moshe mentions other places and events where the People angered G-d.
Moshe tells the People that he smashed the Luchot when he saw the Golden Calf. He also tells them of the different “arguments” he put before HaShem to obtain His forgiveness.

R’VI’I - Fourth Aliya 11 p’sukim - 10:1-11
[P> 10:1 (11)] Moshe continues by telling about the second set of Luchot and the ARON constructed to contain them.
Rashi explains that this ARON was not the one made by Betzalel for the Mishkan. That came later. Specifically, the construction of the Mishkan and its furnishings did not take place until after Yom Kippur. Moshe came down with the second set of Luchot on Yom Kippur. Where was he to put them? This ARON was made to contain the LUCHOT until THE ARON would be built. Rashi says that this was the ARON used to accompany the people into battle - the ARON of the Mishkan did not go to war until the time of Eli HaKohen. It should not have, and as a Divine punishment, it was captured by the enemy and kept from us for years.
He then tells of the travels of the People, the death of Aharon (again), and the succession of his son, Elazar. Moshe also tells of the special role given to the tribe of Levi as a result of the (improper) behavior of the rest of the People.

Chamishi 5th Aliya 20 p’sukim - 10:12-11:9
[S> 10:12 (20)] “And now, People of Israel, what does G-d want from you? ONLY to revere Him, follow His ways, love Him, and serve Him with all your heart and soul. To fulfill all that He commands - for our own good.”
Moshe says, even though G-d is the Master of all, He has a special relationship with our ancestors and with us. We must not be stubborn; we must be good, for G-d is truly great and not subject to bribery.
We are required to especially love the convert [431,A207 10:19] - we know how being a stranger among others is.
Revere G-d [432,A4 10:20], serve Him [433,A5 10:20], cling to Him (by adhering to Torah scholars) [434,A6 10:20], and swear in His Name [435,A7 10:20] when necessary to swear.
MitzvaWatch
Rambam counts the commandment to pray daily as Biblical, based on “and Him you shall serve” and “and to serve Him with all your heart” (and other similar texts), defining service of the heart as prayer. Ramban, on the other hand, holds that prayer is a rabbinic mitzva altogether, albeit inspired by the p’sukim in the Torah and stories of the Avot, who prayed on various occasions. At first look, it seems problematic that there is no specific command in the Torah “Thou shalt daven”.
But if you think about it, SERVE HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART is the best way to command us to daven, because it tells us clearly the high value placed on KAVANA in respect to davening. With davening, kavana is the whole story, not just a component of the mitzva. This is so, specifically because the Torah did NOT command us to pray, but rather to serve G-d with all our hearts.
Clarification: Although Rambam states that there is a Biblical command to pray daily, i.e. that davening is D’ORAITA, he acknowledges that what to daven, when to daven, how often to daven - are all d’Rabbanan. In other words, according to Rambam, any simple prayer or plea to G-d in the course of the day constitutes the fulfillment of the Torah’s mitzva to daven. All the rest is Rabbinic legislation.
He is our G-d and He formed a mighty nation from a family of 70 souls. Love Him and do His mitzvot (do His mitzvot out of love for Him). Learn the lessons of Jewish history - the miracles and wonders of the Exodus, the crossing of the Sea, and the punishment of Datan and Aviram (here singled out for their arrogant, unforgivable insult to Eretz Yisrael, as opposed to Korach whom Moshe was able to forgive, sort of).
Again, Moshe emphasizes that the purpose and proper environment for Torah is Eretz Yisrael.

Shishi - Sixth Aliya 12 p’sukim - 11:10-21
[S> 11:10 (3)] The Land that the People are about to enter is a land that is “accountable to G-d” in obvious (and less obvious) ways. G-d is demanding of it and of its soon-to-be inhabitants (us). The main physical distinction mentioned is Israel’s reliance upon rain.
G-d is demanding of the Land of Israel and of the People of Israel - always, from one end of the year to the other.
[S> 11:13 (9)] This Aliya concludes with a restating of the “deal” that opened the sedra. This parsha is the second passage of the Sh’ma. If we keep the mitzvot then we will have bountiful rain and abundant yields; if not, then…
T’filin, Torah learning, and Mezuza are restated as is the correlation between mitzvot and long life in the Land. This second portion of the Sh’ma is one of the two passages in a Mezuza and one of the four portions in T’filin.

Sh’VII - Seventh Aliya 4 p’sukim - 11:22-25
[S> 11:22 (4)] Once again, the “deal” that the sedra began with is repeated at its conclusion - If we will keep all the mitzvot, motivated by a love of G-d; if we follow in his footsteps (by performing acts of kindness) and cling to Him… then we will prevail against mightier nations than ourselves. Every place in Eretz Yisrael that we walk upon, will be ours. No one will stand up against us. The sedra concludes with promises of successful conquest of the Land - if we keep our side of the deal. That’s all it takes. This parsha a Maftir too.

Haftara 27 p’sukim - Yeshayahu 49:14-51:3
2nd of the 7 Consolation Haftarot. G-d’s message is that He has not forgotten Zion nor forsaken His People. Sometimes it might seem like that, but there will come a time when the People will return to their roots and be restored to their Land. There was never a “divorce” between G-d and the People of Israel. G-d will help in the battles against the mighty nations that oppress His People. G-d has (will) comforted Zion; the desolated areas will flourish…

• Other Aliya-by-Aliya Sedra Summary
• Aliya-by-Aliya Sedra Summary
• The 6th of the 8 Terms
• Aliya-by-Aliya Sedra Summary