Bs”d
Parshas Aikev (5760)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Our Parsha opens with an inspiring array of blessings. There is almost no area of our existence that isn’t touched with the promise from these great brachos. It is quite natural for one to speculate as to what awesome, outstanding act deserves such compensation. Consequently the great surprise that we find in Rashi at the beginning of the sedra . “Because of your obedience in fulfilling the relatively light commandments that a person tramples on with his heels (aikev) i.e. commandments that are not taken seriously.”
What brings one to be so conscientious and meticulous with minor commandments if not for a tremendously high level of insight, understanding and appreciation of Who has given these commandments. Is it at all perceivable that anything that HaShem wills can be called minor, allowing one to be lackadaisical? There is nothing profound about this thought. The greatness lies as with many other concepts in the depth of how we conceive it. A good part of the sefer Mesilas Yesharim contains many high levels of greatness that are achieved by traits that we who are on low levels also possess. The difference being, as was said, in the depth of the dimension of how they are conceived.
I would like to share a new insight in a Rashi (11:16). “Visartem Vaavadetem” – abstaining and turning away from the learning of Torah will inevitably bring the person to avoda zara. These awesome words in Rashi are well known, what the terrible consequences the lack of learning Torah will bring. One would understand this to mean abstaining from Torah learning by his own volition. Rashi however refers us to David HaMelech (Shmuel 1 26:19)—“Once I have been driven away from engaging in Torah, I have now drawn close to avoda zara.” Dovid HaMelech was involuntarily separated from Torah learning and nevertheless had to suffer the consequences. Frightening, despite the fact that it is not the person’s desire or intention to neglect his Torah study, the mere absence from his learning will subject him to this terrible spiritual danger.
Only Torah can save us from deviating– what a meaningful and necessary lesson for “August”. I hope that we should all be worthy to be recipients of (7:13) “HaShem will love you and bless you.”