If you read a portion of the Parasha from Deuteronomy (Deverim) 7:12 to 11:25, you’ll learn it’s titled as Ekev. The portion begins with the promise that for keeping the Mitzvot ( Commandments) in a manner of Ekev, that YHVH will fulfill his covenant with us, bless us, show us kindness, and free us from all sickness and evil. The word Ekev itself in the Targum, means “in exchange”, meaning that as a reward for studying and doing the Mitzvot, we will merit all the blessings. The Hebrew translation of the word is “because.” Basically, this would be saying the same thing, just in a different word usage. “Because” we do this, YHVH will do that. The “general” translation of the word is heel. Ekev is the root of the name Yaakov (Jacob), who was named so, because he was born holding on to Esav’s (Esau’s) heel. The Torah uses this word because there is a lesson here to be learned from the “heel”. Rashi explains that fulfilling the commandments in a manner of Ekev, refers to a level of observance where we keep even the seemingly insignificant Mitzvot that many people tread upon with their “heels.”

Some scholars say that Ekev refers to the final generation before the Messiah’s coming, which is referred to as, “the generation of the heels of Moshiach”. This will be the generation they say will fully return to Torah observance. That sounds a bit like us, don’t you think? When the commentaries give varying explanations of one word, there is a connection between them. So we see that the job of a heel is to walk, not to judge. Also, a deeper meaning of fulfilling the Mitzvot in the manner of Ekev, is that the Mitzvot should permeate our entire being, all the way down into our heels. This only comes through diligent study and a more careful walk. The last thing we need to think about in being the last generation on the heels of the coming Messiah, is that we have not been as well taught as the earlier generations. We have to learn how to even approach a sensitive and Holy Torah walk. So we take on the job of a heel and begin to learn how to walk all over again. You know if you put on a cheap, ill fitting shoe how it hurts your feet to walk in them. This is like trying to walk in the Torah without the Spirit to help you, or trying to stay on a correct Spirit filled walk without knowing any Torah. Either is like walking in a pair of tight fitting high heels!