1. The Baal Shem Tov’s Interpretation of Ashur and Mitzrayim
Today’s portion in Parshas Eikev, specifically in Sheni, contains very few Rashi comments—actually, there is only one Rashi on the entire Parsha. Despite its brevity, this section is extremely important. There is a well-known teaching from the Baal Shem Tov regarding the verse that describes the future ingathering of all Jews who have been scattered across the world: those lost in the land of Ashur and those cast away in Mitzrayim. The verse concludes that they will all bow to Hashem on the holy mountain, at the Beis HaMikdash on Har HaBayis, with the coming of Mashiach—the Messiah.
The Baal Shem Tov offers a deeper interpretation: “Those who are lost in Eretz Ashur” and “those who are lost in Eretz Mitzrayim.” We know that Mitzrayim—Egypt—represents limitation and oppression. Sometimes people experience suffering or challenges that prevent them from serving Hashem properly—they lack time, resources, health, or peace of mind. Such individuals are spiritually stuck in Mitzrayim, unable to serve Hashem as they wish.
But what about Ashur? The Baal Shem Tov explains that Ashur can be read as Oysher—wealth or prosperity. Sometimes people are so blessed by Hashem with abundance that they become preoccupied with their blessings. They get distracted by material success and begin to believe in their own power or the strength of their environment—the “golden Medina,” as America was once called, where wealth seems to grow on trees. Whether one is lost in Oysher (prosperity) or limited by Mitzrayim (oppression), Mashiach will gather everyone together and bring them to spiritual unity.
2. Moshe’s Warning Against Forgetting Hashem
This theme is central to today’s Parsha, where Moshe Rabbeinu warns Bnei Yisrael not to forget Hashem when they enter a period of blessing and prosperity. He cautions them: “Be very careful lest you forget Hashem your God and do not keep His mitzvos, rules, and statutes.” Why would someone forget Hashem? Moshe explains: after eating and being satisfied, building beautiful homes, acquiring abundant cattle, silver, gold—when everything increases for you—there is a danger that your heart will become haughty.
The Torah warns that success can lead to arrogance and self-reliance: “You will say in your heart: ‘It is my power and the strength of my hand that made me this fortune.’” Instead of attributing success to Hashem’s blessing, people may start believing it was their own doing. Moshe reminds them: it is Hashem who gives you the strength to achieve success; He took you out of Egypt, led you through the desert filled with dangers like scorpions and snakes, provided water from a rock, and fed you man—manna—in the wilderness.
If one forgets this source of blessing, Moshe warns that such prosperity will not last forever. The Navi even says at times: what do you expect from Bnei Yisrael? You gave them so much gold and silver—you spoiled them! This abundance led them astray. The challenge is to remember always that all blessings come from Hashem; only then can success endure.
3. The Spiritual Challenge of Prosperity
This idea recurs throughout Tanach: when Jews experience great blessing—Kasef v’zahav hirbeh lahem—“He gave them much silver and gold”—they sometimes stray from Hashem because they become absorbed in material comfort. The test is not only how we respond to hardship but also how we handle abundance.
The trick is to take Hashem’s blessings and use them as a vehicle for continued connection with Him. If we want our success to last and be meaningful—to channel it toward positive ends—we must always remember its true source: “He is the One who gives you strength.” Our role is never to lose sight of this fundamental truth amidst plenty.
4. Chamishah Asar B’Av – A Festival of Unity
The shiur concludes with reflections on Chamishah Asar B’Av—the fifteenth day of Av—which just passed. This day is considered one of the greatest Yomim Tovim—festivals—in our calendar because it represents unity among Am Yisrael. Many reasons are given for its celebration in the Gemara, but all share a common denominator: increased unity among Jews.
For example, there were times when families could not intermarry between tribes due to inheritance laws; on Chamishah Asar B’Av this restriction was lifted, allowing greater connection between different groups within Klal Yisrael. Another reason relates to the cessation of deaths caused by the sin of the spies (Cheit haMeraglim)—the decree ended on this date.
5. Breaking the Sickle – Symbolism of Peace
An interesting detail discussed by Chazal concerns another reason for celebration on Chamishah Asar B’Av: it was called Tavarmagol, meaning “they broke the sickle.” On this day they stopped cutting wood for use on the Mizbeach because worm infestation made it unfit after this point in summer.
The Gemara uses specifically the term “broke” rather than simply putting away their tools for next year. Why break it? A sickle—a metal cutting tool—represents death or destruction (Kerev). Breaking it symbolizes an end to pain and destruction—a transition from division or harm toward peace and unity.
This symbolism ties back into why Chamishah Asar B’Av became such a joyous festival: when there is true unity among Jews—Ahavas Yisroel—love for fellow Jews—and no more cutting or separation between us, we merit great blessing as a nation.