Eikev - Listen the first time

Listen the first time
Eikev


This week's Torah portion, the third in the book of Devarim, is called Eikev. It begins with the words  "
והיה עקב תשמעון - And it will be because of your listening to the these ordinances... that Hashem, your God will safeguard for you the covenant and kindness that He swore to you forefathers". This verse is speaking about the tremendous blessings that will befall us, if we listen to Hashem's commandments.

Many of the Torah commentaries point to the interesting word (and also name of this week's Parsha) עקב (Eikev) at the beginning of the verse. It seems a bit strange, considering that this word also means the heel of the foot (עקב). We read in Bereishit (Genesis) that our forefather Yaakov (יעקב) was named in this manner because of him holding on to the heel of his brother Esav. Our sages therefore explain that the word Eikev teaches us a lesson, that we ought to be as careful with the "small" Mitzvot (that some may trample upon with their heels or disregard), as we would with the big Mitzvot. The common denominator of all the Mitzvot is, that they are the commandments of Hashem. 

Many times throughout the Torah, we see a verse begin with the words "And it will be if you will listen" using the Hebrew word אם (Im). We see this clearly in the second paragraph of the Shema that begins with those very same words, "והיה אם שמוע" (and it will be if you listen). However, in our portion, the Torah uses the work Eikev (because of or when) to teach us a special lesson. 

What is the difference between saying "If you will listen" or "when will listen / because of your listening" ? The answer is that IF implies that you may choose to listen or not to. WHEN or BECAUSE OF implies that you will listen and there are consequences to you actions and listening.

Perhaps the message the Torah is telling us is the following. Save yourself the aggravation and frustration of so many pitfalls in life by listening the first time around, instead of eventually being forced to learn the lessons through mishaps and falling. LISTEN the first time around.

As parents and educators, we often marvel at how our children sometimes do not listen or follow our advice and then need to face the consequences of their choices. We see adults that often do the same thing. Hashem is like a parent, as well, guiding us and reminding us to make the proper choices and avoid heartache in the future.

Shabbat Shalom.