Ekev 5784

Ekev 2024

Our Torah reading for this Shabbat begins,  “And if you do obey these rules….” The Hebrew, however, is much different than the English translation: “If you will “tishme-un,” listen to these rules.” Grant it that the English is a most meaningful understanding of the words that follow since obeying usually requires listening first. However, I prefer the literal translation of listen as I translate from Hebrew to English.

In our parasha, listening and understanding creates a relationship with Hashem. In return for listening and observing, the Hebrew says so beautifully that Hashem will maintain the covenant and the chesed, the kindness that was promised to the Patriarchs.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z”l, once explained the relationship of listening and obeying the mitzvot in the following fashion:

“Listening lies at the very heart of relationship.” It means that we are open to the other, that we respect him or her, that their perceptions and feelings matter to us. We give them permission to be honest, even if this means making ourselves vulnerable in so doing. A good parent listens to their child. A good employer listens to his or her workers. A good company listens to its customers or clients. A good leader listens to those he or she leads. Listening does not mean agreeing but it does mean caring. Listening is the climate in which love and respect grow.

In Judaism we believe that our relationship with God is an ongoing tutorial in our relationships with other people. How can we expect God to listen to us if we fail to listen to our spouse, our children, or those affected by our work? And how can we expect to encounter God if we have not learned to listen. On Mount Horeb, God taught Elijah that He was not in the whirlwind, the earthquake or the fire but in the kol demamah dakah, the “still, small voice” that I define as a voice you can only hear if you are listening.

Crowds are moved by great speakers, but lives are changed by great listeners. Whether between us and God or us and other people, listening is the prelude to love.”

Listening is one of those qualities that requires much patience and a commitment to understand. During these past few weeks, here in the United States, we have had to not only listen, but discern what is being spoken both at the political conventions and at the many speeches, interviews and previous and upcoming debates. How do we understand what is not only being said, but also the underlying realities and nuances of words spoken, promises made, and truths uttered. 

As we go to the polls to vote for the next President of our country, we must be mindful of how we listen. Is it with an openness to hear and to understand the differences of platform and the words of both presidential candidates? How do we allow the promises of the past with the laws and statutes that govern our country create a promise for the future? Can we open our ears, hearts and minds, to what is best for not only ourselves but for others who also are affected by the “rules,” that govern our country.  Can we hear the small voice that, as Rabbi Sacks stated, “you can only hear if you are listening.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi K