Eikev – Use a Map

In Parshas Eikev, the passuk states, ‘You shall remember all the way which Hashem your God has led you…’ The Torah calls upon the Jewish Nation to remember the route they traveled over the 40 years in the wilderness. Moshe conveys to the nation that this experience was intended to test their faith in Hashem. He then brings to their attention the difficulties and adversities they encountered during their journey, as well as the remarkable level they attained when they received the Torah and listened to Hashem speak to them.

Indeed, the sages assert that "Maaseh avos siman libanim." The actions and events of the 'fathers', the individuals who laid the foundation of the Jewish Nation, serve as a prophetic indication of future events that will befall the nation. The books of Navi are filled with narratives detailing the historical cycles of the Jewish people. The People maintain a close relationship with Hashem and experience prosperity, yet this very prosperity leads them away from Hashem. They receive admonitions to return to the righteous path, yet they fail to heed these warnings and consequently endure assaults from their adversaries. Upon their repentance, Hashem rescues them, and they once again find closeness to Hashem and begin to prosper once again, and thus the cycle repeats. Therefore, the Torah encourages us to reflect on the path taken by the nation in its early stages as a method to remain steadfast on the right path.

GPS and Maps

Before the introduction of GPS and similar electronic navigation systems, people undertook road trips with the aid of a map. A map displayed the various roads and highways that travelers could take to get to their destination. Typically, maps feature a legend that clarifies the symbols and colors represented on the map. Frequently, during trip planning, symbols and markings were added to indicate closed roads and various hazards along the route. The greater the amount of information presented on a map, the more seamless and efficient the trip would be.

Life is a journey, and while every individual pursues their own unique trajectory, certain markers and signs along the way assist all travelers. Picture the initial groups of people journeying across the country, traversing uncharted lands, with the aspiration of safely traveling from one end of the country to the other. The subsequent group of travelers would be wise to engage with them to learn about and examine the path they took, aiming to sidestep some pitfalls and gain insights from their experiences, as would each subsequent group embarking on the same journey. Just as the roads today are populated with vehicles, all moving along comparable routes yet ending at different destinations, individuals travel through life alongside others; each person has their own path to follow.

Using the Map You Have

An individual should ask themself, "What navigational tools or GPS resources in life are accessible to me?" The individuals responsible for providing the initial map for a person's life are their parents. A parent's duty is to exemplify how to lead a virtuous life; this is an extraordinary gift from Hashem if that is one's destiny. It would be a wondrous utopian world if everyone had exemplary parents, allowing each child to shape their own identity while adhering to the flawlessly constructed "map" handed down to them by their parents.

Sadly, this is not always the case. A significant number of individuals cannot entirely rely on their parents to provide an exemplary life map. What are these individuals supposed to do? Most people possess a mix of positive and negative traits. Even someone who experienced a suboptimal upbringing can utilize their parents as a reference for how to navigate their own life. Just as a road map reveals obstacles and alternative routes, people can serve as models for both the behaviors one wishes to adopt and those one aims to avoid in life. As one progresses through life, it is their responsibility to seek out role models who will act as their navigational system. This could be a teacher, mentor, Rabbi, spiritual advisor, or a neighbor. Seek out individuals who embody the qualities and values that resonate with you and build relationships with them. Seek their counsel and pay attention to the direction they are steering you towards.

History as a Road Map

The Torah is not merely a chronicle of history. Rather, it serves as a guide for living. When Moshe instructs the people to ‘remember all the way that Hashem your God has led you…’ he is imparting a crucial life lesson. We are not the first to navigate this journey. Reflect on the past. Draw upon the path traversed by the fledgling nation of Klal Yisrael over 40 years in the wilderness to discern the right direction we should pursue. Furthermore, he urges us to examine the errors and misjudgments of that era and to be cautious not to replicate those errors.

It is often said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. Conversely, a wise individual employs history as a reference and a roadmap for what lies ahead. Take advantage of the lessons learned by those who have come before you. Delve into the historical accounts of our people, avoiding the errors made in the past. The consequences of these missteps are well documented. Embrace the favorable occurrences and deeds. The journey you undertake will be significantly more pleasant, and you will not only reach your intended destination but also relish the journey itself.