In this week's Torah post, our member Rabbi Paul Bloom asks what parashat Eikev teaches us about Yirat Shamayim.
The Cornerstone of Torah Living
One
of the most profound questions in the Torah appears in Parashat Eikev:
"And now, Israel, what does Hashem your God ask of you?"
(Devarim 10:12).
At
first glance, the question seems almost unnecessary. After forty years in the
wilderness—receiving the Torah at Sinai, witnessing countless miracles, and
learning directly from Moshe Rabbeinu—surely the Jewish people already knew
what Hashem expected of them. They understood the importance of Torah, mitzvot,
Eretz Yisrael, and living as a holy nation.
Yet
Moshe asks the question anyway.
Why? Because he is about to
reveal the very foundation upon which every other mitzvah rests. He answers: "Only
to fear Hashem your God." The Torah presents Yirat Shamayim—a deep
awareness of Hashem—as the cornerstone of Jewish life.
Beyond Fear
The
phrase Yirat Shamayim is often translated as "fear of God,"
but that translation can be misleading. There is certainly a level of fear that
involves concern about sin and its consequences. Chazal refer to this as Yirat
Ha'onesh—fear of punishment. While important, this is not the Torah's
highest ideal.
The
deeper meaning is what many of the great Torah thinkers describe as Yirat
HaRomemut—an overwhelming awareness of Hashem's greatness and the
realization that we constantly stand in His presence. It is living with the
consciousness that every word we speak, every decision we make, and every
moment of our lives unfolds before the Ribono Shel Olam. This awareness
is not simply another mitzvah among many.
It is the mindset that gives life to every mitzvah.
A Constant Mitzvah
The
Sefer HaChinuch includes this awareness among the Six Constant Mitzvot—commandments
that apply every moment of every day. Unlike mitzvot tied to a specific action
or time, these are obligations of the heart and mind. They define the inner
world of a Jew.
Living
with Yirat Shamayim means approaching every aspect of life—from business
and family to learning and prayer—with the recognition that Hashem accompanies
us everywhere.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' Powerful Response
"To say that I believe in God is a gross understatement. I live
every moment of my life in the presence of God."
Every
decision. Every breath. Every step. The students were stunned. Rabbi Sacks was
describing not merely belief, but the lived reality of Yirat Shamayim—a
life lived with constant awareness of Hashem's Presence.
The Purpose of Every Mitzvah
The
Rambam teaches that the ultimate purpose of the mitzvot is to bring a person to
this elevated state of awareness. Likewise, the Rema begins the Shulchan Aruch
with the famous instruction:
"Shiviti Hashem l'negdi tamid"—"I place Hashem before me
always."
This
is not reserved for moments in shul. It applies when we wake up, eat breakfast,
conduct business, raise children, and interact with others. Every aspect of
life becomes elevated when lived before Hashem.
Is It Really "Only" This?
Moshe
introduces Yirat Shamayim with a surprising term: "Ki im"—"Only."
The Gemara (Berachot 33b) asks: "Is Yirat Shamayim such a small
thing?" Surely it is one of the greatest spiritual achievements
imaginable. The Gemara answers: "For Moshe, it was a small matter."
At
first glance, that seems obvious—but hardly helpful. Moshe is speaking to the
Jewish people, not to himself. The Vilna Gaon offers a beautiful insight. Yirat
Shamayim became "easy" because the Jewish people spent forty
years living in the presence of Moshe Rabbeinu. When one lives near genuine
greatness, greatness becomes attainable. The inspiration of a true tzaddik
elevates everyone around him.
Many
people have experienced this feeling in the presence of exceptional Torah
giants. Simply watching how they learn, pray, speak, and interact with others
changes one's own spiritual aspirations. Greatness is contagious.
Everything Is for Our Benefit
The
verse continues by listing additional responsibilities: To walk in Hashem's
ways. To love Him. To serve Him. To keep His commandments. Then the Torah
concludes with two remarkable words: "L'tov lach"—"For
your good." Hashem does not need our mitzvot. They are not for His
benefit. They are entirely for us. Torah creates lives filled with meaning,
morality, purpose, and stability. Every mitzvah refines us. Every act of
holiness elevates us. Everything Hashem asks of us is ultimately an expression
of His love.
Moshe's Final Blessing
As
Moshe Rabbeinu nears the end of his life, he summarizes what truly matters. His
message is both demanding and encouraging. Yirat Shamayim is not
reserved for prophets or saints. It is attainable. Every Jew can cultivate a
life lived in the awareness of Hashem's Presence. That awareness becomes the
foundation upon which Torah, mitzvot, love of Hashem, and spiritual growth
naturally flourish.
Perhaps this is the greatest blessing Moshe leaves us with in Parashat Eikev. If we strive to live every day with Hashem before us, then every mitzvah becomes richer, every challenge gains perspective, and every step brings us closer to the ultimate redemption. The Torah's greatest request is also its greatest gift: To live every moment in the presence of Hashem.
