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Eikev (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Eikev

Dvar Torah
Eikev includes the famous passage describing the merits of Eretz Yisrael including the seven species of the land and the abundance of springs for irrigation. Interestingly, Moshe preaches that Eretz Yisrael is a “land where you will eat bread without poverty, where you will lack nothing” (Deu. 8:9). The experience of living in the promise land is not one of over-abundance, but of having a happy dose of “enoughness”. Indeed, the Torah warns in many places (including the very next passage) of the dangers of excessive wealth, including self-aggrandization leading to religious regression. Eretz Yisrael on the other hand, has enough of everything but not too much of anything. It is a place which naturally lends itself for leading a comfortable and meaningful life with everything material we need but not too much so as to distract us from what is truly important in our lives.

Trivia
Apropos springs, Israel has a whole outdoorsy culture around water holes and springs. Locals will often build recreational areas around them and they are a popular spot for everyone from avid hikers to families enjoying a Friday afternoon together. Popular activities including (of course) bathing, picnicking, and making coffee with Bunsen burners (it’s a big thing here). Including a link with some of the best spots to visit on your next trip!

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 18:47/20:00
Tel-Aviv 19:02/20:03
Zurich 20:19/21:26
Paris 20:47/21:57
NYC 19:35/20:36
Montreal 19:43/20:48
Dallas 19:53/20:50
Santiago 17:56/18:53

Shabbat Shalom!

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