Eikev: Rooted in Tradition, Growing in Innovation: The Dual Path of Torah
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
In life, there are generally two schools of thought: one that values tradition and the other that embraces progress. The former holds tightly to what has been proven effective, while the latter seeks new ideas and solutions for emerging challenges. In Judaism, these two approaches also exist—one that preserves the time-honored practices of Torah and mitzvot, and another that explores fresh perspectives, always within the boundaries of halacha.
Some find strength in maintaining the customs and educational standards passed down through generations, preserving the practices of our ancestors without deviation. These individuals value tradition’s continuity and stability, seeing it as a solid foundation that has withstood the test of time. In a world of constant change, the unchanging nature of the Torah provides a safe harbor, a sense of identity and purpose that should not be tampered with.
On the other hand, some strive to innovate, think progressively, and adapt to the times’ needs. They recognize that the world around us is constantly evolving and that we must find new ways to engage with the world and with each other. For them, the challenge is staying true to the Torah's eternal truths while finding relevant applications in contemporary life. However, the truth often lies not at the extremes but in harmonizing these approaches, finding a balance that respects tradition while allowing for growth.
This balance is beautifully illustrated in a story involving the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson. While traveling on a train in communist Russia, he was engaged in a debate and was asked, "Is the Torah socialist or capitalist?" The Rebbe responded that the Torah, being the ultimate truth and goodness, contains the best aspects of both socialism and capitalism. He explained that the Torah transcends these human constructs by integrating the positive elements of each. Similarly, the Torah teaches us how to balance deep-rooted tradition with forward-thinking innovation.
This concept is vividly demonstrated in this week’s parsha, Eikev, where the Torah writes the second paragraph of Shema, "V'haya im shamoa tishme'u," using a double expression of listening: "shamoa" and "tishme'u." Rashi explains that this teaches us to "listen to the old" and to "listen to the new," elaborating further: "And it will be, if hearkening you will hearken. If you hearken to the old [i.e., if you study what you have already learned], you will hearken to the new [i.e., you will have a new and deeper understanding]." In other words, our success in forward-thinking within Judaism is contingent upon our deep roots in tradition. The more we cherish and hold onto our traditions, the more effective and meaningful our innovations will be.
Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers, echoes this sentiment with a powerful metaphor: "One whose wisdom is greater than his deeds, what is he comparable to? To a tree with many branches and few roots; comes a storm, uproots it, and turns it on its face. But one whose deeds are greater than his wisdom, to what is he compared? To a tree with many roots and few branches, whom all the storms in the world cannot budge from its place." Our traditions and customs are like those strong roots, grounding us firmly against all challenges. Without them, our progressive ideas risk becoming transient, lacking substance and enduring value.
Yet, the Torah guides us to not merely cling to the past but to actively engage with the present and future. The more we value the old, the more fruitful our new ideas will become. It’s not enough to simply preserve tradition without ever evolving; we must also advance, internalize, and integrate the new, always ensuring that our progress does not come at the expense of our roots. This harmonious blend of old and new allows us to live a vibrant, dynamic, and enduring Jewish life, where tradition empowers progress, and progress enriches tradition.
Adapted from Life Talks on the Parsha