In Parshat Ekev, Moshe continues to exhort Bnei Israel to follow Hashem’s commandments as they prepare to enter the Land of Israel. One key Pasuk in this parsha is (Devarim 8:10) “You will eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless Hashem your God for the good land He has given you.” This verse is the basis for the mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon – the commandment to recite blessings after eating a meal.
Birkat Hamazon is unique in that it is a direct Torah obligation (de’oraita). It emphasizes gratitude to Hashem not only for the food we eat, but for the land of Israel, which sustains us. The connection between sustenance and spiritual reflection is powerful; when we pause after satisfying our physical needs to express our gratitude to the Source, we elevate the act of eating into a service of Hashem.
This idea is further highlighted in Masechet Brachot (20b), where the Talmud relates a fascinating conversation between the angels and Hashem. The angels ask, “Why is Hashem partial to the Jewish people?” They point out that in the Torah it says, “God does not show favouritism” (Devarim 10:17), and yet it seems as if Hashem does favour the Jewish people!
Hashem’s response is profound: “How can I not show them favour, when I commanded them to recite Birkat Hamazon after eating and being satisfied, and they are meticulous to fulfill this commandment, even when they are only eating the smallest amount (a k’zayit or k’beitza)?”
This conversation reveals a deep truth about the relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem. It is not favouritism in the traditional sense, but rather a reflection of the Jewish people’s commitment to recognizing Hashem in every aspect of their lives, even in something as mundane as eating. By fulfilling the mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon, the Jewish people show their devotion to living a life of sanctity and gratitude.
In a broader sense, this teaches us that Hashem’s closeness to us is not arbitrary, but rather earned through our actions. When we bring awareness of Hashem into our everyday lives, we create a bond that transcends the natural order. This is why, despite the challenges and imperfections of the Jewish people, Hashem remains committed to them—because they strive to see the divine in everything they do.
May we all merit to continue this legacy of gratitude and recognition of Hashem’s presence in our lives, and may our fulfillment of the mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon and other commandments strengthen our connection to Hashem and bring blessings upon us and Eretz Israel.
Pictured is the AI version of Shivat Haminim. See if you can find the fruit that don’t belong…
Shabbat Shalom! Elisha
