The word ekev, which is the name of this week’s Torah portion, translated as “since” or “because,” is associated with another Hebrew word, akev, meaning “heel.” Rashi comments that this association indicates the Torah’s warning against treating any of the mitzvot lightly, stepping upon them with one’s heel in disdain, so to speak. The Torah portion deals with the basic idea of Judaism, that of cause and effect. There are no acts of life that remain truly insignificant. Small things sometimes later assume almost cosmic importance. For a small match can burn down an entire house and its contents. The entire chumash of Dvarim pleads for Jews to see the big picture, the vision of a just and caring society. In order for such a vision to take on the flesh of reality, the small things in society must be accounted for favorably. We all like to talk about the big things in our world – peace, security, democracy, etc. – but as long as we continue to step with our heels on the small things – courtesy and compassion to others, respect for our traditions and Torah, and a sense of satisfaction with our lives – little progress towards the accomplishment of the great goals will take place.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 05:30:54 +0000
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