The Soul of the Heel
Relationships that are quid-pro-quo are fine. Relationships that are unconditional are Divine.
Multiple Translations
A heel is the lowest part of the body and it is also the name of this week’s Parsha, depending on how you translate the word Ekev.
The Parsha begins with the words:
“And it will be, because (Ekev) you will listen to these judgments and guard and keep them, thus, G-d your G-d shall keep His covenant, and His kindness that He has sworn to your fathers.”
The word Ekev here is translated as “because”. However, there are many more common words that could have been used for the word because. Why did the Torah use the word Ekev, which also has the meaning of a heel?
Rashi, in anticipation of this question, proceeds to give the answer that the Torah here is referring specifically to those commandments that people tread upon with their heels; i.e., those commandments that are considered to be trivial in nature and therefore neglected.
One may ask why is G-d’s promise to keep His covenant with us dependent on the observance of these “heel” commandments?
Two Approaches to Mitzvos
There are two basic approaches to the observance of the Mitzvos that parallel two components of each and every Mitzvah. One is the fact that a Mitzvah is G-d’s commandment to us.
The second component of the Mitzvah is its ability to make a difference in our lives. From this perspective, each and every Mitzvah is unique, because each Mitzvah has a specialized effect on our souls and the world around us.
The first component, the commandment aspect of a Mitzvah, however, transcends the specific characteristics and functions of the Mitzvah. From the perspective of the Divine Commander, we are expected to do the Mitzvah simply because it is His will. From this perspective there can be no difference between a “weighty” Mitzvah, one that contributes heavily to the individual and society and a “light” or “heel” mitzvah, one that only has a marginal, or, even no perceived, effect.
Marriage Metaphor
To help understand this often misunderstood aspect of Judaism — devotion to G-d’s commandments in a way that transcends our appreciation and understanding of the Mitzvah, the metaphor of marriage is often given in Jewish sources.
In a marriage, there are aspects of the relationship that serve a utilitarian function. We do certain things for one another because they have an intended objective. We give our time, money and other resources to our spouse because there are needs that must be fulfilled.
But, that is not the main reason for responding to the “demands” of the other spouse. In a relationship, especially in a marriage, there is a need to transcend the utilitarian and functional aspect of the relationship, and uncover the soul of the relationship.
We do things for one another in a marriage because this is how we connect to the essence and soul of the other, not because there is any particular benefit that accrues to one of the partners.
Reciprocal Relationship
In our relationship with G-d, which has been likened to a marriage by our Sages, we must, first and foremost, focus on the relationship itself. If our Divine Partner asks of us to keep Kosher, for instance, we do so primarily because it is what our “Partner” asks of us. By complying with G-d’s wish we connect to Him.
Indeed, one of the meanings of the word Mitzvah (besides commandment) is “connection.” And while we might not know the actual benefit that accrues to us by following this or any other Mitzvah, its benefit pales in comparison with realization that we have just connected to the very essence of G-d.
By keeping even those Mitzvos that people tread upon with their heels, because they do not appear to have much utilitarian use, we demonstrate that our relationship is not quid pro quo and contractual, but covenantal. Our commitment is not predicated on what is in it for me, but on how it contributes to my “marriage” to G-d.
Therefore, the Torah states, when one observes these, the “heel” commandments, G- d will keep His covenant. He will show us how His relationship with us is also a covenantal one.
Connection to the “End (Heel) Days.”
The word Ekev also means “at the end” and is interpreted by our Sages to be referring to the “end of days,” or the Messianic Age.
There is a definite connection between the Mitzvos that are referred to as “heels” and the coming of Moshiach. Our Sages have likened the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai to the betrothal of the Jewish people to G-d and the coming of Moshiach to the actual Marriage.
One of the ways to indicate that we are ready for marriage is to show our willingness to observe even, nay, especially, those Mitzvos that are designated as the “heel” ones. This indicates that we are prepared to put our Spouse’s needs first.
When we fathom the “soul” of the “heel,” we will have discovered the essence of Judaism and the soul of our marriage and covenant with G-d.
From the book Light from the Future: Parshas Ekev by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg, published by the Jewish Discovery Center.
