Parshas Eikev reveals that the commandments [instructions] are not only duties

They are how intimacy with the Creator grows.

Why did the Creator show special favor to the Jewish people?

Rabbi Avira taught that the ministering angels asked the Creator:

“How can You show special favor to the Jewish people?”

The Creator answered:

“How can I not show them favor?

I instructed them to recite Grace after Meals when they have eaten and are satisfied. Yet they choose to bless Me even after eating only a piece of bread as small as an olive or an egg.” — Berachos 20b

[Their desire to go beyond the minimum revealed that the commandments were not merely rules to them.

They were part of a relationship, a bond that becomes personally meaningful when gratitude, awe, and love are felt toward the Creator.

What pattern did the Creator build into reality?

The Creator built this pattern into the structure of the reality He gave us:

 
when love moves a person beyond the minimum, intimacy grows and the relationship receives greater favor.]

Moses also explained that the tribe of Levi earned the privilege of becoming the Creator’s legion because they remained devoted to the Creator and to Moses.

[Their love was expressed through devotion during a time of great confusion.

Because they protected the relationship, they were chosen for a greater role in serving Him.]

Sforno teaches:

The greater a person’s position and opportunities to do good, the more the Creator expects from them.

[Being chosen does not mean having less responsibility.

It means being trusted with more.]

Rashi cites the Sifri and teaches that the Jewish people should continue observing the commandments during exile, so that when the redemption comes, they will not have forgotten how to perform them.

[This suggests that exile is not the end of the relationship.

Why stay connected to the commandments in exile?

Even when the Jewish people cannot live Jewish life in its fullest setting, they should remain connected to the commandments.

The commandments help keep deep awe and love toward the Creator alive, preserving the relationship and preparing them to return.

Does redemption require perfect observance?

Rashi does not present perfect observance as a condition that must be reached before redemption can occur.

He describes observing the commandments during exile as preparation for the return, there will be less shame afterwards.

It seems the return can begin when all the Jewish people turn toward the Creator with awe, love, and a desire for relationship, but Rambam is very clear all jewish people will return to Torah and Mitzvos before the Messianic era begins.

Redemption then creates the conditions for that relationship to be lived more fully.]

The Lubavitcher Rebbe teaches:

“Intimacy with G-d that we achieve by fulfilling His commandments is the true reward.”

[The reward is not only something that comes after the mitzvah.

The relationship created through the mitzvah is itself the reward.]

Ramban explains that the commandments apply everywhere, but the holiness of the Land of Israel is so great that performing them has greater importance there.

“In respect to its holiness, the Land of Israel is to a Jewish soul as a mother is to her child.” - Ulla, in the Talmud

[Together, these teachings reveal one pattern:

The Creator built this into the structure of the reality He gave us:

 
when love moves a person beyond the minimum, it deepens intimacy and draws greater favor.

That love deepens intimacy, while greater intimacy also brings greater responsibility.

Is redemption only a prize?

Redemption is not only a prize given after the relationship has already become perfect.

It is the return to the place where awe, love, and intimacy with the Creator can continue growing into their fullest expression.]

Questions people ask

How do the commandments create intimacy with the Creator?

In this teaching, intimacy grows when love moves a person beyond the minimum. The commandments are part of a relationship, not merely rules. The bond becomes personally meaningful when gratitude, awe, and love are felt toward the Creator, and the relationship then receives greater favor.

Why bless G-d after eating only a small piece of bread?

Berachos 20b says the Creator instructed Grace after Meals for when people have eaten and are satisfied. Yet the Jewish people choose to bless Him even after eating bread as small as an olive or an egg. That choice to go beyond the minimum revealed a real relationship, so the Creator shows them special favor.

Will the Jewish people return to Torah before the Messianic era?

Yes. Rambam is very clear that all Jewish people will return to Torah and Mitzvos before the Messianic era begins. Rashi describes keeping the commandments during exile as preparation for that return, so the way to perform them is not forgotten and there is less shame afterwards.

What is the Messianic Era?

The Messianic Era means world peace, and it is not only a reward. It is humanity's return to a more intimate relationship with the Creator. Redemption creates the conditions for that relationship to be lived more fully, so awe, love, and intimacy can keep growing into their fullest expression.

“The Messianic Era [world peace] is not only a reward. It is humanity’s return to a more intimate relationship with the Creator.”