Parshat Ekev contains the source for one of the only biblically mandated blessings: Birkat Ha-mazon. The context and interpretation of this mitzvah contains a life lesson which goes beyond the realm of food. It is a reminder not to take basic things in life for granted and to view them as precious gifts.

Devarim 8 describes the treasures which await B’nei Yisrael when they enter the land of Israel. After encountering this bounty, the Torah urges: “And you shall eat, and be satisfied, and you shall bless Hashem for the good land he has given you.” This verse is ambiguous. “You shall eat and be satisfied” is clearly a prediction, but what about “and you shall bless Hashem”? Is it a prediction or a command? Shadal provides a psychological interpretation of the p’shat of this verse: At first this expression of thankfulness will happen naturally — it’s a prediction. However, over time it is human nature to forget the source of goodness and take gifts and success for granted. So in the following verse, the Torah commands us not to forget God for the gifts bestowed. The Ramban also says that the people would naturally appreciate the land of Israel and its produce after they enter it, while they still remember the hunger and challenges of obtaining food in Egypt and the desert. The Ramban then adds that Chazal viewed “and you shall thank Hashem” as a command, not a prediction. For both the Shadal and the Ramban, there are times when gratitude comes naturally, and there are times when we need to be commanded to appreciate.

The mitzvah of Birkat Ha-mazon applies in every generation to everyone. Why then do we bless Hashem for the land of Israel whether or not one lives in Israel? Just as Birkat Ha-mazon ensures we don’t take our physical food for granted, so too it ensures we don’t take Israel and its physical and spiritual gifts for granted, wherever we are in the world. Shabbat Shalom🍞🍇-Karen Miller Jackson