The Torah mentions seven species that the Land of Israel is noted for – wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. The Torah then lauds the Land of Israel for its abundance of food and that it is not lacking anything and that even its stones are iron and from its mountains copper is quarried. This group of verses concludes with the obligation to recite blessings after we are satiated, particularly when we eat bread.
Rabbi Shimon Schwab o.b.m. wonders, why are iron and copper included with the produce of the Land of Israel? He explains that the Torah is informing us that besides the deliciously tasting produce the Land of Israel yields, it is also generously infused with essential nutrients such as iron and copper that support a person’s bodily health.
Commentaries point out that the Torah specifically commands us to recite blessings after we conclude our meal because when one is satiated and does not feel need, he may neglect to recognize G-d’s role in it and not give gratitude to Him for what He has provided. The obligation to recite blessings after the meal ensures that this is not overlooked.
Immediately following the law to bless G-d after our meal, the Torah warns us lest we forget G-d when we meet financial successes and attribute it to our intellectual or physical strengths, rather than ascribe it to the Almighty. Perhaps, the Torah is telling us that when we are careful to bless G-d when we conclude our meals and when we recite the blessings over foods when we are hungry, this constant exercise of recognizing G-d throughout our day when engaged in our nourishment, imbues us the ability to see and appreciate G-d’s infusion of blessings in all of our dealings and interactions.
A question that is often asked is, why is it so necessary to observe so many of our laws? Can’t we do with less?
Perhaps it can be addressed with the story of the owner of a horse who noticed that the horse was eating a lot and running up his expenses. In order to address this, he decided to train his horse to exist without eating. To accomplish this feat, he began to gradually reduce its food intake each day. What he saw was that all this time the horse was functioning fine – until one day the horse died.
The owner commented, “I just about trained the horse to exist without food and at the last moment – it died!”
Just as we know that we need food and drink to provide the necessary nutrients and sustenance to exist and to function properly and effectively, so too, G-d provided us with a menu to sustain our spiritual nourishment as well. They are the Mitzvos – commandments – that we are to abide by. Mitzvos help us keep focused on our relationship with G-d, mankind and provide self-spiritual elevation.
This is the basic message that Moshe gave over to the Nation in our Parsha before he passed away.
History has proven that if we are strongly connected to our beliefs, knowledge of the Torah, and adherence to the Torah, it provides us with a vibrancy, continuity and a clear mission and direction to life.
In our Parsha, Moshe makes an appeal to the nation, “And now Israel, what does G-d want from you? Only that you remain in awe and in reverence of Hashem your G-d, so that you will follow all His paths and love Him, serving Hashem your G-d with all your heart and soul.”
The Talmud tells us that it seems from Moshe that this was easy! Because he was on an exalted spiritual level, for him it was indeed easy! But for us, it is a tall order for us to achieve – and attain.
Last week we lost a very dear friend of ours, Simcha Mendlowitz o.b.m. Simcha, with the encouragement of his loving family and the continuous prayers of his many friends, courageously and remarkably fought his illness with grace, positivity and a deep-rooted belief in G-d.
My wife Malki shared with me an awe-inspiring conversation she had with Simcha’s wife Debbie. A few days before this past Pesach, Simcha was admitted to the hospital. As Pesach drew nearer it was apparent that he would be in the hospital for Pesach and the Seder and arrangements were set accordingly.
Then, on Erev Pesach afternoon, the doctor came in and felt he was okay to return home. All the previous plans were now shifted, and time was of the essence to arrange the Seder at home and for some family to be with them. At the last moment, one of the grandchildren developed a fever and it was inadvisable for them to be with Simcha in his sensitive medical state.
Just the two of them conducted the Seder together. Simcha had the strength to get through most of the Seder, but for the latter end of the Seder, Debbie was alone.
This is what Debbie told Malki, “You may think it must have been depressing for me to be alone with what I was dealing with. But I tell you that while I was singing and reciting Hallel and Nirtza alone – never in my life have I felt such closeness and attachment to Hashem!”
This is the embodiment of Moshe’s appeal.
