Written by Rabbi Daniel Yaakov Travis
(based on a derasha from
HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita,
Ravad of Yerushalayim, Leil Shabbos Eikev)
"Eikev refers to the seemingly insignificant mitzvos that a person treads on with his heel " (Rashi).
In truth every mitzvah is filled with depth and there is no such thing as an insignificant mitzvah. Mitzvos are commandments of Hashem, and they must all be dealt with the greatest importance. Treating a mitzvah with contempt is paramount to rebelling against the King of kings.
Only by studying the halachos can we give mitzvos the respect they deserve. Overcharging, interest, theft, are only a few examples of Torah prohibitions that we can easily violate as a result of unfamiliarity with their guidelines. Without proper knowledge we will tread over these mitzvos on a constant basis.
Right after teaching us the Eseeres Hadibros in Parshas Yisro, the Torah follows with Parshas Mishpatim which focuses heavily on financial rulings. What is the deeper meaning behind this juxtaposition? The Torah equates the mitzvos, comparing business law to the severity of the ten commandments.
A rav once came to Rav Yisrael Salanter and told him that he wanted to resign his position in rabbanus. Perhaps as rav he had ruled improperly, and caused a distortion of Torah law. Instead he would earn a living as a businessman.
Rav Yisrael replied that the rav's concern that he was not fulfilling his role properly was admirable. Ruling halacha for the public is a tremendous responsibility and it should be approached with the greatest severity. In fact every rav should share these noble sentiments.
However that which he felt that in business he would be free from transgression was a fundamental mistake. Just the opposite, the business world requires a greater knowledge of halacha to keep ones hands clean of transgression. When a person gets to the next world the first question he will asked will be, "Were you honest in business?"
Why did Moshe Rabbeinu wait so long to warn Klal Yisrael regarding these mitzvos that are generally trodden on? While the Jewish people were in the Midbar they dined each day on Mann and pheasant, and did not need to concern themselves with financial laws. Now that they were preparing themselves to enter Eretz Yisrael the reality of the situation necessitated strengthening these halachos.
This is the intent behind Eikev Tishmaon – i.e., before these halachos become relevant. Even though these laws would only become applicable latter, nonetheless Moshe Rabbeinu mentioned them now. Tanach is filled with warnings about monetary infringements, since Hashem considers them to be among the most serious transgressions.
Rav Yisrael Salanter points out that each group of individuals has there own unique daily nisyanos. Bachurim and avreichim need to insure that they are making the proper efforts to learn Torah, business men have to be sure that they act with integrity and give the proper respect to talmidei chachamim, and rabbanim have to make sure they are making the proper efforts for the sake of Klal Yisrael.
The one factor which unites all Jews is that all financial matters should be carried out with integrity. We should know that whatever money has been decreed for us will come into our hands, not a penny more or less. Efforts made to aquire more than our share dishonestly will lead nowhere, and will only cause a desecration of Hashem's name.
The Avnei Nezer adds that the main thing is that the reason one must be especially wary of the seemingly insignificant transgressions, is for such an attitude destroys ones whole outlook to Divine service. Repentance is characterized by the recognition that we sinned 'in front of Hashem' and constant repetition wears away at that realization. Because it is so hard to separate oneself from these small sins, the pasuk places a special emphasis that we should be careful in these matters.
(Rabbi Travis is Rosh Kollel of Kollel Toras Chaim in Yerushalayim and is the author of Shaylos U'Teshuvos Toras Chaim and "Praying With Joy – A Daily Tefilla Companion" a practical daily guide to improving one's prayers, available from Feldheim Publishers. For more information about his work contact dytravis@actcom.com.)
