No matter what other news is in the headlines, what’s going on in Israel still takes center stage. As we continue to pray for a swift end to the suffering and the immediate release of the hostages, we often wonder why the world is so preoccupied with Israel. And, why does a piece of land play such a central role for the Jewish people? Is it worth fighting for a piece of land?
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In this week’s Torah portion, Eikev, we are taught to thank G-d for the food He gives us: “And you will eat and be sated, and you shall bless the L-rd, your G-d, for the good land He has given you.” The Grace After Meals is a central part of Jewish life. We say blessings before we eat, asking G-d permission to partake of His bounty. And, we say blessings after we eat, thanking G-d for sustaining us.
You may have noticed that the blessings before eating are rather short. But, the blessing after eating – especially after we eat bread – is quite lengthy. My students sometimes imagine it’s because we are too impatient to recite a lengthy blessing when our mouths are watering and our stomachs aching for food. But, that can’t what it’s all about, can it?
The Talmud explains (based on the above verse) that we are required to mention three things during the second blessing of the Grace After Meals (bentching): 1) the land of Israel; 2) the Abrahamic covenant bestowing the land to the Jewish people; and 3) the Torah, which promises the land to the nation of Israel.
Why do we need to mention all of this?
Certainly, the Torah is teaching us a powerful lesson about the food we eat. But perhaps it is also teaching us a lesson about the food we do not eat.
If we are to thank G-d only for the food we eat, it is – ultimately – self-serving gratitude. It’s good to say thanks, but it’s also selfish to only reflect on G-d’s kindness when we are the beneficiary.
To truly appreciate G-d’s bounty we must remember that food is given to sustain us. And our sustenance is provided to allow us to be better people. The food we eat is a vehicle to do more mitzvahs, to be better parents, neighbors, and Jews.
This, then, is the inner intent of the Sages insistence that we include the covenant with Abraham and the holy Torah. If we look at food as an end in itself, we have failed to digest the Torah’s message. The true value of the land that gives us plenty is its connection to our Creator. That’s what we need to remember when we thank G-d for our nourishment.
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And when we evoke this deeper appreciation for the Holy Land, it isn’t only a place or political entity. It is a conduit for our very relationship with G-d. We don’t cherish the land and fight for it despite the difficulties. Rather the land represents our very raison d'être. It is what gives us strength to continue. It is the Covenant and the Torah all wrapped in one.
Recalibrating our relationship with the Land of Israel will also recalibrate our purpose of existence and our relationship with G-d and each other. That’s something worth reminding ourselves every time we enjoy a good meal.