Parsha Talk – Eikev 2022 5782

Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Barry Chesler and Jeremy Kalmanofsky discuss this week’s parsha. Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25], the third parashah of the book, has its share of quotables. The second paragraph of the Shema, recited by the faithful twice each day, is found here [Deuteronomy 11:13–21], as is the verse at the heart of the second blessing of Birkat Ha-mazon [Grace After Meals] [8:10], and the phrase [ha-el ha-gadol ha-gibbor v-ha-no’ra [10:17], by which God is addressed in the opening prayer of the Amidah, the prayer par excellence according to the rabbis. Other verses worthy of mention include “man does not live by bread alone” [8:3], the seven species which characterize the Land of Israel [8:8], and the variation of the question that Micah poses and answers about what God wants from us [Micah 6:6–8; cf. Deut. 10:12f]. We manage to at least touch on all of these! Shabbat Shalom!!