"Heeling Heals: Listening with Humility": Rabbi David Ingber on Parshat Eikev, 5782

Romemu: Jewish Life, Elevated

Self-promotion, being first, having a 'brand' or a platform, are all ubiquitous in today's world. 'If I am not for myself', the wise words of the great Hillel have become a modern-day mantra. And, though sharing your voice and being heard are vital, learning to live with others through the trait of humility may be the most powerful antidote to the current state of division, discord and despair available to us. This past week's wisdom, Eikev, literally means 'heel' and in it, our teacher Moses implores the people to listen in an 'eikev' or heel way. What does that mean? Eikev, or heel, is the lowest part of the body. It doesn't seek to be first, to lead, to be a-head or get a-head. It follows the rest of the body, but, according to our Sages, is the densest and strongest part of the foot. Learning to listen from the heel, can heal us.