Thought of the Week: Eikev - 5776

EXILE IMPRECISION

Measurements play a very significant role in our tradition.  When a person wants to fulfill one of the many Mitzvot, a precise amount needs to be used or consumed to achieve the desired spiritual result.

The Talmud notes that when the Torah lists the species that demonstrate the bounty of Eretz Yisrael in the Pasuk "A land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey" they are all indications of specific measurements.  For example when the Torah lists olives, it is to teach us that the amount of food needed to fulfill a Mitzvah that relates to eating, requires the measurement of an olive.  Commentators wonder what is the connection between the beauty of the land and Halachic measurements.

When we are outside of our Homeland, at times we practice our Judaism with imprecision.  When we have a second day of Yom Tov while we read in the Torah that it should be only one day, we deeply sense the fact that we do not belong here in Galut (exile).

Thus the Pasuk that reminds us of the wonderful natural beauty of Eretz Yisrael, teaches us that accuracy in our service of Hashem can only be in Eretz Yisrael.

Shabbat Shalom