In Parshat Ekev, Moshe Rabbeinu describes the Land of Israel as a place of blessing — “a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and date honey” (Devarim 8:8). These Shiv’at haminim are more than a shopping list — they are reminders that the land sustains us both physically and spiritually.
Today, while the ancient seven species still grow, we can also recognize a kind of modern “seven blessings” — gifts that Israel offers each of us personally:
1. Thriving Torah Learning – In Israel, shiurim, chavrutot, and Torah conversations are everywhere — from yeshiva classrooms to coffee shops — giving you and your children daily opportunities for growth without having to search far.
2. Cutting-Edge Innovation – Whether your talents are in business, technology, medicine, education, or the arts, Israel’s start-up culture creates real opportunities to contribute to projects that make a global impact.
3. Jewish Calendar in Public Life – Shabbat and chagim set the rhythm of the week and year; the streets, stores, and schools all move in harmony with the Jewish calendar, making holiday life natural and joyous.
4. Gathering of the Exiles – On one street you may meet Jews from Ethiopia, France, Yemen, and Argentina — each bringing music, recipes, and traditions that enrich your own Jewish identity and your family’s Shabbat table.
5. Vibrant Hebrew Culture – Hebrew is the language of the playground, the theater, and the headlines. It’s not just in the siddur — it’s alive in daily life, deepening your connection to Jewish history and modern Israel.
6. Land Restored to Bloom – The once-barren hills now flourish with orchards, forests, and vineyards. You can taste the prophecy in the fruit from the shuk and see the fulfillment of “the desert will bloom” with your own eyes.
7. Jewish Sovereignty & Safety – After nearly two thousand years, the Jewish people once again govern themselves in their own land, with the ability to protect and shape their future. Although it’s not yet perfect, we can all be part of that shared destiny.
Moshe’s message in Ekev is clear: if we live with gratitude and keep the mitzvot, the land will flourish — and so will we. These seven blessings are not just national treasures; they are personal invitations to connect more deeply with our people and our land.
And on a personal note: this Shabbat is our family’s last one here in Ottawa before we begin our next chapter in Israel. Over our time here, we have felt embraced, supported, and inspired by this community. The warmth of Ottawa’s Jewish family has been one of our greatest blessings — a living example of Jewish unity that we will carry with us. As we go, we do so with gratitude in our hearts, memories in our minds, and the hope that our paths will cross again — BH this year in Jerusalem!
Elisha and Yiska Guberman
Always feel free to reach out:
This was amazing. As I was reading this, I kept thinking about moving to Israel. And then at the end, that is exactly what you are doing. Great example to the Jews of Ottawa!!