Continue in thinking about Parasha Ekew…

I’m currently studying Parasha Ekev—for the second time this week. In verses 7:12 to 8:10, Hashem promises that He will protect the people of Israel and bless them many times over for keeping His commandments. They need not fear, because He will help them to victory over their enemies. However, they must eliminate all traces of idolatry. The people should remember their wanderings in the desert, during which they were entirely dependent on G-d. This leads to the conclusion that in the Holy Land, the Jewish people must face the responsibility of trusting in Hashem’s words and putting them into practice. What applies to Eretz Yisrael is not fully valid for the Diaspora; after all, the entire Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) is a single reference to Israel and all Jews—including those in the Diaspora. In the land to which He brings us, nothing will be lacking. Moshe Rabbeinu therefore lists the seven species that distinguish Israel—wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and date honey. He also mentions that one is obligated to thank G-d when one has eaten enough. This is known as „benschen“ (blessing) during Kiddush in synagogues or at home. Moshe Rabbeinu warns against taking credit for prosperity or victories. Hashem alone is responsible for them and the power that makes them possible. Moshe then recalls (8:11–10:11) that the people repeatedly provoked G-d in the desert. And Moshe describes how he interceded for the people after the incident with the Golden Calf. Then the people received the Tablets of the Covenant for the second time. I noticed that this second pair of Tablets differs slightly from the first pair, because I am convinced that the entire nation deserves a second chance, and we must continually reexamine the statements of the Aseret Hadibrot. You, too, are the eternal heritage of the people and begin with Hashem introducing Himself and proclaiming liberation from Mizraim. It is a twofold liberation. For we are truly free, firstly, in our consciousness, and only then when we have arrived in Eretz Israel.