Life According the the Gospel of “When”

The Hebrew word “Ekev” translates to “when.” We often experience life through “whens”… when you pass your driving test, you get the keys to the family car; when you excel in school, you receive a diploma; and when you complete a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, you are rewarded with a celebration. “When” signifies a condition leading to a reward. In many ways, we live by the gospel of “when” believing that every action causes a reaction. 

Today’s Torah portion is called Ekev because it addresses the “when” in the covenant between the Israelites and God while reminding the reader of the importance of cause and effect. Deuteronomy 7:12 states, “And this shall be the reward… when you listen to these laws, and you observe and perform them…” Here, Moses, now 120 years old, is reminding the Israelites of their covenant with God and their responsibilities. The “when” is tied to a process – listen, observe, and perform – and also to a reward – God’s blessings and favor. In other words, you do what is holy, you will succeed. 

In Biblical times obeying the covenant was straightforward—follow the 613 commandments and receive a reward. The verse reflects a fundamental legal principle: contracts involve an exchange. You fulfill your part, and you receive something in return. In this case, it’s a Brit, a covenant between God and Israel, promising rewards for adhering to commandments. 

However, “when” is not just about contracts; it’s also an idea of hope and future promise. By stating “when you follow the laws,” there’s an implication that this practice is ongoing. The Israelites were on a journey toward fully embracing these laws. The expectation was not just to follow them now but to continuously strive for moral improvement. Today, our responsibilities often fall under the broader concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world. By doing what is right, we are helping our community. By helping our community, we are also helping ourselves.

The act of “Ekev” also embodies mindfulness. In a world where it’s easy to deviate from what’s right, living fully in each moment is crucial. Judaism values mindfulness, and the concept of “when” aligns with this, reminding us to be present. 

“Ekev” or “when” involves listening, observing, and performing mitzvot. Without being present and attentive to these “whens,” we miss out on the rewards of doing what is right. By doing what is right ethically and morally we soon learn that the  act is the reward. By doing what is right, you will find that the holiness of your actions are a reward in and of themselves. 

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EIKEV SUMMARY FROM THE URJ

• Moses tells the Israelites that if they follow God’s laws, the nations who now dwell across the Jordan River will not harm them. (7:12–26)
• Moses reminds the people of the virtues of keeping God’s commandments. He also tells them that they will dispossess those who now live in the Land only because they are idolatrous, not because the Israelites are uncommonly virtuous. Thereupon, Moses reviews all of the trespasses of the Israelites against God. (8:1–10:11)
• Moses says that the Land of Israel will overflow with milk and honey if the people obey God’s commandments and teach them to their children. (10:12–11:25)

For more information on this Torah portion go to:

https://reformjudaism.org/torah/portion/eikev

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