Ekev 5769 - Parashat Ekev in english
Rav David Daniel Hacohen שליט״א
Summary
The Rav briefly presents Parashat Ekev, in the second paragraph of the Shema, where the Torah promises blessing and tells us to gather our grain. He explains the Gemara's disagreement between Rabbi Yishmael, who says one may close the book to go to work, and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who says that for the righteous their work is done by others. According to the Rav, most people must make hishtadlut, while a few great tzadikim with complete bitachon are not meant to. He adds that trust in Hashem applies to everything, not only livelihood, and says that the nations' apparent friendship toward Israel, including from the United States, is not reliable. He concludes that we must rely on Hashem, who has always protected us, and pray for the full redemption.
Highlights
- 0:10 Parashat Ekev: the second paragraph of the Shema and the promise of blessing Mitzvot Livelihood
- 0:46 The Gemara: may one close the book of Torah to go and work? Torah study Livelihood
- 1:08 Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai: the righteous have their work done by others Trust in G-d Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
- 1:22 Two levels: hishtadlut for most people, complete bitachon for a few Trust in G-d Character traits
- 1:55 Yosef the righteous was punished for excessive hishtadlut Trust in G-d The righteous
- 2:20 Bitachon applies to everything, not only to livelihood Trust in G-d Faith
- 2:36 According to the Rav, the nations' friendship toward Israel is not reliable Current events Edom and Ishmael
- 4:31 Hashem has always protected us and the Land of Israel is our place Faith The Land of Israel
- 5:03 Praying for the full redemption and the coming of Mashiach Redemption Mashiach