We are a people of belief and action.

In this week's parsha, Eikev, we read that the good land is of wheat, barley, vines, figtrees and pomegranites; a land of olive-oil and honeydates (Devarim 8:8). The first reference to "land" represents our spiritual love, and the second reference to "land" represents our physical love, for Eretz Yisrael.

Pursuant to Berachot 41b Rabbi Hamenuna taught Rabbi Hisda to say a blessing first over the (physical) date before a (spiritual) pomegranite because the date is closer to the second "land" than pomegranite is to the first "land" in Devarim 8:8 and it has preference. This shows how our physical and spiritual love for the land of Eretz Yisrael refines us. Rabbi Hisda exclaimed that we should have legs of iron to learn from Rabbi Hamenuna.

This teaches us also on a national level that in Israel we need to build up the physical aspects of the nation (legs of iron) in order to create spiritual strength for a brave national spirit.

Further in Devarim 8:10 we have the source for Birchat Hamazon, "When you eat and are satisfied you shall bless Hashem for the good Land that he gave you". This refers to the blessings over food, the land and the rebuilding of Yerushalayim. (Tov VeHameitiv was added by the Rabbis later). When we thank Hashem for our food we also thank Him for Eretz Yisrael. Accordingly when we say Birchat Hamazon we should be saying it in our Land and not be giving it to our enemies.

Shabbat shalom

It must be Zman L'moshiach!