Parshat Eikev
In Perek 9, Moshe tells the nation that they should not think it is because they are so worthy that is the cause of Hashem choosing them and to place them in Eretz Yisrael. He then goes on to remind them of all the bad things they have done and all the ways they have upset Hashem.
I think the lesson being given here is an important one. It is similar to the way Moshiach can come. The passuk says "Be'ito Achishena" and chazal explain that as indicating their are two ways moshiach can coem - either because we are so worthy and then his arrival will be hastened or despite our not being worthy, and then he will come at a certain time and we will experience certain trials and tribulations.
The same thing here. Moshe is telling them don't let it get to your head. Don't think this validates your behavior until now. There are two ways this can go down. Either you can be good, and then your migration into Israel will be smooth and simple, or you can be pains in the neck and then your migration will be difficult.
It is going to happen anyway. You might as well get on the train and make the trip smoothly rather than difficult..
Showing posts with label eikev. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eikev. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Eikev: that's all He wants from us?
Parshat Eikev
in 10:12-13 Moshe tells the people "What does Hashem want from you?just to fear Him, to go in His ways, to serve Him...to do the commandments... for your good"
Oh, that's it? Just to fear and serve Him? Oh, that's not such a big deal!!??All He wants from us is to keep the 613 commandments as written in the Torah and explained in the voluminous Talmud and codified in the voluminous shulchan aruch? That's it? Why didn't you say so??!! That's nothing!! So easy!! All we have to do is fear Him??!!
I think the key word is the concluding words of the verse "fro your good".
It is like a studious student in college. Sure he has plenty of work to do, homework, lessons, study, tests, labs, internships, etc. to get his good grades and succeed. But he does not think of it as so hard. He knows it is all for his benefit so he does it because he needs to do it for the success he is looking for in the future.
But we are more like the non-studious student. He looks at the work and does not realize that it is their for his benefit. He complains that it is too hard or the teacher gives too much work. Everything is a big deal.
It is a matter of approach and attitude. If we approach the Torah and mitzvos like the studious guy, with the knowledge that it is really for our own benefit, than it is easy. All He wants from us is x, y and z. But if we approach it looking just to get it done, than it is hard.
in 10:12-13 Moshe tells the people "What does Hashem want from you?just to fear Him, to go in His ways, to serve Him...to do the commandments... for your good"
Oh, that's it? Just to fear and serve Him? Oh, that's not such a big deal!!??All He wants from us is to keep the 613 commandments as written in the Torah and explained in the voluminous Talmud and codified in the voluminous shulchan aruch? That's it? Why didn't you say so??!! That's nothing!! So easy!! All we have to do is fear Him??!!
I think the key word is the concluding words of the verse "fro your good".
It is like a studious student in college. Sure he has plenty of work to do, homework, lessons, study, tests, labs, internships, etc. to get his good grades and succeed. But he does not think of it as so hard. He knows it is all for his benefit so he does it because he needs to do it for the success he is looking for in the future.
But we are more like the non-studious student. He looks at the work and does not realize that it is their for his benefit. He complains that it is too hard or the teacher gives too much work. Everything is a big deal.
It is a matter of approach and attitude. If we approach the Torah and mitzvos like the studious guy, with the knowledge that it is really for our own benefit, than it is easy. All He wants from us is x, y and z. But if we approach it looking just to get it done, than it is hard.
Eikev: not all at once
Parshat Eikev
In 7:22 the passuk tells us that Hashem will remove the nations [from the Land of Israel] little by little. You should not get rid of them too quickly, lest the wild animals should become abundant and overtake you.
When you take on a big project, you have to do it slowly. You go through stages of planning and deployment. You don't just do it in one day. A recipe for failure is trying to do something, especially something big, too quickly.
Everything needs planning and consideration. Take things slowly. Do things with planning and deliberation. If you do it without getting too excited and anxious, but have patience and thoroughness, you can be successful in your efforts.
In 7:22 the passuk tells us that Hashem will remove the nations [from the Land of Israel] little by little. You should not get rid of them too quickly, lest the wild animals should become abundant and overtake you.
When you take on a big project, you have to do it slowly. You go through stages of planning and deployment. You don't just do it in one day. A recipe for failure is trying to do something, especially something big, too quickly.
Everything needs planning and consideration. Take things slowly. Do things with planning and deliberation. If you do it without getting too excited and anxious, but have patience and thoroughness, you can be successful in your efforts.
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