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By Rabbi David Evan Markus
Eikev 5783 (2023)
Why do we do what we do? Answers vary with circumstance: hope of getting ahead, fear of falling behind, family, laws, goals, traditions, love, memory, pain, habit and more.
And why does it matter what we do? Answers vary with perspective: self-image, reward or punishment for ourselves or others, social impact, philosophy, theology and more.
This week’s Torah portion (Eikev) wrestles with both questions – our why and because. It comes at a time in the spiritual year that especially calls our attention to them.
Eikev 5783 (2023)
Why do we do what we do? Answers vary with circumstance: hope of getting ahead, fear of falling behind, family, laws, goals, traditions, love, memory, pain, habit and more.
And why does it matter what we do? Answers vary with perspective: self-image, reward or punishment for ourselves or others, social impact, philosophy, theology and more.
This week’s Torah portion (Eikev) wrestles with both questions – our why and because. It comes at a time in the spiritual year that especially calls our attention to them.