In parshas Ekev Moshe harangues
the nation concerning the forty year path that they've been on, specifically
about the travails and the manna. He explains that the reason for the two of
them was so HaKadosh baruch Hu would know what is in their hearts and whether
they will keep the mitzvahs or not (see Devarim 8:2-6). In this there is an
aspect of the Talmudic aphorism that a man is known by his cup [of wine],
wallet, and anger (בשלושה דברים אדם ניכר: בכוסו, בכיסו,
ובכעסו) (Eruvim 65). The
nation is assured that if they keep the mitzvahs that good things in general
will happen to them. There are specific blessings as well such as health,
financial prosperity, and nice children, particularly in the Holy
Land .
The angry words of the children
of Israel; when pursued by the Egyptians to the Red Sea and when they had no
water; were focused on death and dripping with hatred of heaven. For example
were there not enough graves in Egypt
that you took us into the desert to kill us and our children. While this parsha
does not mention intoxication we have the enthusiastic making of the golden
calf and its worship. There is also the offering of a strange fire by Nadav and
Avihu in what would seem to be a state of euphoria.
The Chumash links the manna with
the miracle that the clothing of the people not only did not wear out during
there travels but continued to fit them as they grew from children to adults.
In other words they had all of their physical needs taken care of. They were
effectively rich and could spend their time as they saw fit. As a result There
was no need to gather the manna on Shabbos, gathering sticks on Shabbos, or
chasing after the quails. The reason they committed these sins was because of a
deep seeded materialism.
The Sforno explains "to know
what's in your heart - it should be, that what is in your heart should come out
in action". The Rabanu Bachai comments that one of the virtues of the
manna was that they were able to intellectually understand the ideal (מבין במושכלות על השלימות). If it is possible to say Hashem finds out what is in our
hearts when we recognize what the truth really is, how we actually feel, and
express it in our words and deeds. Based on this we learn what is our attitude
to toward Torah and mitzvahs. Do we believe there are consequences for their
neglect or do we hold them in contempt?
Just like the wandering of the
children of Israel
in the desert for forty years was a confrontation with truth and self so to is
our current exile. There are events that bring to the surface beautiful and
meaning ideas which will shower us with blessings. Other times they reveal
things hidden in our hearts that are ugly and destructive. We are also given
the capacity to recognize the ideal. A wise and righteous individual will
choose the good and discard the bad, and at some point we will see that the way
of life and the standards of the Torah are in general the best choice. Ultimately
we will recognize that Hashem is like a loving father who inspires and rebukes
His children. His goal is to bring out the best in them, during their
immaturity in the wilderness, while on their way to the land of Israel
To view on YouTube click:
A discussion of revelation of self and truth through good
times and bad times. Adon Olam is sung to the tune of Scarborough Fair at 5:59.
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