Parshat Eikev, which describes the rewards for keeping the mitzvot, begins with the word v’haya, “it will be.” Later in the parsha the same word begins what we know as the second paragraph of the Shema: “It will be that if you listen…” In a few weeks we will read parshat Ki Tavo, describing coming into the land of Israel which also begins with the same word v’haya. Our Sages have taught us that when a book or parsha begins with this word it indicates great joy.
The common denominator between all three appearances of this word is the land of Israel. Parshat Eikev has more than any other parsha the most beautiful and detailed description of the land and its mention is woven throughout. The reward and punishment recorded in the second paragraph of the Shema is that if we follow the laws of the Torah we will merit to live on the land in peace and contentment - if not, we will be driven off the land. The fact that great joy is associated with being in the land can still be palpably felt by those who visit or make aliya. Despite all the Jewish people have experienced throughout history there is still a unique thrill of being in the promised land.
One phrase used to describe the bounty of the land is that “you will lack nothing there.” Another more literal reading is “you will not lack - everything is in it.” It is truly amazing that in such a small country there are snow capped mountains and burning deserts, rich agricultural land and salty plains, seas and lakes, waterfalls and springs, the largest natural crater in the world and the lowest place on earth etc.
The word for everything is kol. Yaacov Avinu when coming back to Israel was confronted by Esau. In their discussion Esau said “I have much,” whereas Yaacov said “I have everything (kol).” The word kol equals 50. According to tradition Moshe reached the 49th gate of understanding, but not the elusive 50th gate (though some say when he died by the “kiss” of God he did reach that level.) That is why Moses prayed 515 prayers to come into Israel as he knew that “everything” is there, including the 50th gate of understanding.
The giving of the Torah occurred on the 50th day after leaving Egypt. The goal was to then take the Torah into the land and create an ideal Torah society. The 50th jubilee year, only celebrated in Israel, represents the freedom and idyllic state that Torah in the land is meant to accomplish. That is why Moshe wanted so much to enter the land and that is what the goal of the Jewish people is to this very day - to reveal to each individual soul and the whole world at large that everything is in the Torah and in the land of Israel. “For from Zion the Torah will come forth and the word of God from Jerusalem.”
