‹ Back to Parashah Summaries

Parashah Eikev

The one that continues Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites.

Parashah Eikev is a continuation of Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. In this parashah, Moses stresses the idea that the Israelites’ ongoing well-being and success in the land are tied directly to their following the commandments.

Moses encourages the Israelites to remember and reflect on their experiences during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. He reminds them of the miraculous provisions they received, such as manna from heaven and water from a rock, emphasizing how these divine interventions sustained them in challenging times.

Parashah Eikev underlines the importance of observing the commandments not just out of obligation, but also as an expression of gratitude for the abundant land they are about to inherit. It highlights the connection between ethical behavior and the blessings that come from living in harmony with divine principles.

Moses warns the people against becoming prideful or arrogant once they settle in the Promised Land. He cautions that prosperity should not lead to forgetfulness, emphasizing the need for ongoing dedication to the commandments. Moses also recounts the pivotal moment when he received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, emphasizing their significance in guiding the Israelites’ moral and ethical conduct.

Parashah Eikev serves as a spiritual and moral reminder to the Israelites, urging them to remember their past, maintain their commitment to divine commandments, and approach their future in the Promised Land with humility and gratitude. It emphasizes that their continued well-being is linked intricately to their adherence to these principles.

Download this parashah summary

Teen Takeaways from Parashah Eikev

  1. Eikev means “as a consequence” — it is the same Hebrew root from which we derive Jacob’s name, Ya-AKOV. He was called a “heel.” Something that is a consequence comes “on the heels of” an act! Everything has some consequences — good or bad, or both.
  2. Be grateful: Parashah Eikev teaches us to appreciate the good things in our lives. Whether it’s a roof over our heads, food on the table, or supportive friends and family, practicing gratitude can make us happier and more content. Our tradition teaches us more than any other lesson to “remember that you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Remembering prompts us to imagine what life would be like without the many blessings we have.
  3. Responsibility matters: As we grow older, we gain more freedom and independence. With that freedom comes responsibility. We should be mindful of our actions and make choices that are responsible and ethical. What happens when we do not exercise responsibility? Do we lose some of our freedom? Is that what grounding as a punishment is all about?
  4. Learn from your past: Just like the Israelites remembered their journey through the wilderness, we should learn from our past experiences. Mistakes can be valuable teachers, helping us make better decisions in the future. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
  5. Stay humble: Success can be awesome, but it’s essential to stay humble. Remember that no one succeeds entirely on their own, and being humble keeps you grounded and relatable.
  6. Teach and learn from others: Don’t keep your knowledge and values to yourself. Share them with others, especially younger generations. And be open to learning from others, as well — wisdom can come from unexpected places. The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches, “Who is wise? The one who learns from every person.”
  7. Think about your beliefs: Think about what you believe in and what values are important to you. These beliefs can guide your actions and help you make choices aligned with your principles.
  8. Consider consequences: Your actions have consequences, both good and bad. Think about the potential outcomes of your choices, and try to make decisions that lead to positive results. Thinking and planning ahead can help prevent many of our mistakes.
  9. Keep going no matter what: Just like the Israelites persevered through their journey, remember that challenges in life are opportunities for growth. Keep going and stay dedicated to your goals, and you’ll achieve amazing things. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. When they happen, don’t panic. Try to correct them and learn helpful lessons for the future.

Download this parashah summary

Summary

Parashah Eikev teaches us to be thankful, responsible, and humble, as well as to learn from our experiences. It also encourages us to share our values, consider our beliefs, think about consequences, and stay persistent in the face of challenges. These lessons can help teens navigate the complexities of life and make good choices as they grow and mature.

Download this parashah summary

‹ Back to Parashah Summaries

Please wait, I'm just looking things up...

Let's find your portions...

We offer the full library of Haftarahs, Sevenths and Maftirs. If you are looking for a different Torah portion or your synagogue uses something else, please let us know at marci@hellohaftarah.com and we will add it to the available videos!