Voices of WRJ: Parashat Eikev

Eikev—meaning “if…” or “as a result of…”— is an interesting parashah and is referred to in WRJ’s The Torah: A Women’s Commentary as, “Conditions for Life in the Land.” Throughout this parashah, we are reminded of the central position that the Promised Land has in the relationship between God and Israel and that it is a “good land” and a land of “milk and honey.” In Eikev, the parashah opens with a conditional clause that we must obey, observe, and love—with an emphasis on obedience bringing blessings. In these ways, we demonstrate our faithfulness to our covenant with God. In turn, we will enjoy our long awaited crossing into the Promised Land. Blessings, success, and possession of this good land are assured as we reaffirm that we, as Israel, are God’s people. It is our responsibility to display reverence and worship. Our learning from past lessons should motivate our impending actions. It seems as though we are basically incentivized to obey God with victory and territory being the rewards of these actions. So, how is this parashah like our WRJ/Sisterhood lives? Do we need to incentivize our volunteers? Or is the willingness to engage in dedicated endeavors, with commitment to our groups with genuine caring, qualities enough to guide us to meaningful achievements/rewards? It has been my experience that while authentically “holding fast” to our WRJ mission, whether at the women’s group, district, or board level, we engage our loyal members in acts that creatively envision our WRJ future.  We are blessed to have a “good land” serving as our foundation (built by those whose shoulders we stand upon) while we dream of our potential in this valued organization. Also, within this parashah is the message of the Shema’s second paragraph, which is a prayer that is traditionally repeated twice daily. It is the one found in tefillin and mezzuzot, with which we often pass by while we go on our way.  It is these doorposts where we greet our family, friends, and communities. We may even choose to wear a mezuzah close to our hearts, in jewelry form. Speaking of things close to our hearts, I believe we all agree that NOW is a great time to be involved in WRJ. As we are poised to move into our second century, we share a rich heritage and a bright outlook moving forward. Plan now to join together in the celebration at WRJ’s 49^th Assembly & Centennial Celebration as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity! While we prepare to light our Shabbat candles, we can take one last lesson from Eikev, to consider your two candlesticks representing our obligation to “remember and observe” Shabbat. Marla Goldberg is WRJ Midwest District Immediate Past President and WRJ 49^th Assembly Program Co-Chair and a member of B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim Sisterhood in Deerfield, IL.