Heel of history

The name of the portion this week is “Ekev”. The word, “ekev” has a double meaning.

Ekev means the heel of a foot, and it also means “when you shall hearken to my voice, then I will bless you”, referring to an active response “when you shall”, the nature of the response being that “you hearken to G-d’s voice”, and the outcome is “tremendous blessings”.

Why does the Torah select this word, “ekev” with its dual meaning?

The Chazal says the allusion to the heel is specific. History is a process compared to the human anatomy. It starts at the highest point of the head, and ends at the lowest of the human anatomy – the heel, The heel is the last generation. The association of the heel with the last generation before Moshiach is obvious. Just as the heel is the least sensitive part of the body, so too at that time – just before Moshiach – the spiritual level of the world and the Jewish people will be at the lowest, most desensitised state. Compared to giants of the spirit of previous generations, we’re small, as the analogy puts it, like a midget compared to a giant.

However, it’s precisely in this generation that the essence of the Jewish spirit is expressed more than at any other time.

In this generation, we find a combination of forces. On the one hand, we’re a generation bereft of a depth of Jewish knowledge and inspiration, of deep understanding, and emotional elevation. Together with this, it’s a time in which Jews face every adversity; a time in which the world is submerged in trouble and difficulty; in which the secular world bombards us with media – visuals and narratives – in contrast to Jewish values. Antisemitism is ever rising. Antagonism toward Israel is the world’s top agenda. The challenges at the heel of history seem to increase every day. Why then do Jews follow the Torah and mitzvot and identify with their heritage in spite of all this, in these days of rage?

It’s because in their essence, they know that Judaism and the path of Torah are true and that their connection to Hashem and Torah are vital to their being. In other words the Jewish essence shines at this time of history.

Thus, when the “heel hearkens to my voice”, in other words, when the generation which is so estranged, distant, and challenged maintains its commitment to G-d and His Torah, it will accomplish what no other generation has been able to – the greatest blessings, including ushering in Moshiach, our redeemer. May it come speedily!