Parsha Summary: Ekev | Rabbi Stewart Weiss | Beit Midrash

Torah Portion and Tanach
Ekev

קטגוריה משנית

190

Moshe continues his final charge to Bnei Yisrael. He encourages them to trust in Hashem, who will reward them greatly for observing the Torah. One primary reward will be the successful conquest of Canaan, necessitating the removal of all idolatry found there.

Moshe recounts the great miracles experienced by the people in the desert - such as the Mahn as well as the sins committed in the past 40 years, such as that of the Golden Calf - Egel HaZahav. He warns the people not to become too over-confident or to believe that we
survive through our own efforts alone.

Moshe emphasizes the greatness of Israel & its inseparable connection to our people. It is a Land watched constantly by G-d, a land of plenty whose abundance is symbolized by the Sheva Minim, the 7 varieties of indigenous fruit.

The 2nd paragraph of the Sh'ma details the rewards and punishments that come our way based upon our performance of the Mitzvot. One of these rewards is eternal protection & prosperity.

The Haftora (Yeshayahu 49) is the 2nd of the Haftarot of Consolation read after Tisha B'Av.

We bentsch Rosh Chodesh Elul, which will be next Shabbat and Sunday.