Parashat Ekev: From Brokenness to Renewal

In Parashat Eikev, Moshe Rabbeinu continues his farewell speech to Am Yisrael, preparing them to enter Eretz Yisrael. He reminds them that their survival in the desert was not due to their own strength or cleverness, but because of Hashem’s care—providing manna, water, clothing that didn’t wear out, and protection from enemies.

Moshe also recalls the painful episode of the Golden Calf and the breaking of the first Luchot. Those shattered tablets could have been discarded, yet Hashem commanded Moshe to place them alongside the new set in the Aron. The Gemara (Berachot 8b) learns from here that even “broken” things have value—whether it’s a Torah scholar who has forgotten their learning, or a person whose spirit has been crushed. In Hashem’s eyes, their worth remains.

The Power of the “Small” Mitzvot

Moshe warns the people not to view any mitzvah as minor. Often, the mitzvot we neglect are those that seem too small to matter—yet they hold immense power. Chazal teach that the reward for such mitzvot is immeasurable, because performing them shows humility and trust in Hashem.

In our lives, it’s easy to focus on the “big” acts of spirituality while overlooking the quiet, daily acts of kindness, honesty, and gratitude. But the Torah reminds us: these “small” steps form the foundation of holiness.

A Land of True Blessing

Moshe then describes the land they are about to inherit:

“A land of wheat and barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey. A land where you will not lack bread; a land whose stones are iron and from whose hills you can mine copper.”

Why such detail? Why not simply say “a rich and prosperous land”? Instead of boasting of gold or diamonds, Moshe lists essentials—food, water, and basic resources that sustain life for all.

This teaches that true blessing lies not in luxury for the few, but in abundance for the many. History shows that countries rich in rare treasures often see those riches benefit only the elite, while ordinary people remain poor. Hashem promises Bnei Yisrael something greater: a land that can provide for everyone’s needs, where prosperity is shared.

Even Shlomo HaMelech noted that everything can grow in Eretz Yisrael if cultivated properly. Today, this is visible in Israel’s thriving agriculture, exporting fruit and vegetables worldwide. Of the shiv’at haminim, wheat holds a special place as the source of bread—the staple of life—reminding us through Hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz that Hashem is the ultimate provider.

The Mitzvah of Gratitude

Moshe issues a warning: once you are comfortable and prosperous, do not forget Hashem. The Torah commands:

“You shall eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem your God for the good land He has given you.”

From here comes the mitzvah of Birkat HaMazon.

• Moshe instituted the first blessing (Hazán et hakol) for the manna in the desert.

• Yehoshua added the second (Al ha’aretz ve’al hamazon) upon entering the land.

• The sages later included Boneh Yerushalayim after the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash.

• And following the massacre at Betar, they added HaTov VeHaMeitiv, expressing faith in Hashem’s goodness even in tragedy.

This structure reminds us that gratitude is not only for moments of joy—it’s an attitude to maintain through every chapter of life.

Never Giving Up – Even in Darkness

The haftarah reassures us that Hashem never forgets His people: “Look to Avraham your father”—who waited a hundred years for Yitzchak’s birth. Patience, faith, and steadfastness bring blessings beyond imagination.

Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt”l, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, often illustrated this idea with a story from the Holocaust. Prisoners were given one blanket for every five people. Each had to choose: keep it or share it so others could also be warm. Most chose to share.

Years later, when the president of Starbucks offered him a blank check for the yeshiva, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi asked instead that he take $1,600, buy tefillin, and commit to wearing them daily. “Real giving,” he explained, “is not just taking for yourself—it’s helping another person find warmth, both physical and spiritual.”

May we enter Shabbat with gratitude for our blessings, the courage to share them, and the faith to rise from any brokenness. May we soon merit complete nechama for all of Am Yisrael.

Shabbat Shalom from a warm Yerushalayim.

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