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PARASHAT EIKEV THE BLESSINGS OF THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB Parshat Ekev describes the blessings that G-d bestows upon the Jewish people when we keep the mitzvot. The first blessing mentioned, is the blessing of children. "Wherefore it shall come to pass, if you hearken to these judgements, and keep, and do them, that the L-rd your G-d shall keep unto you the covenant and the loving/kindness which He swore to your fathers; and He will love you and bless you, and multiply you; and will bless the fruit of your womb..." (Devarim 7:12-13). This blessing is certainly being fulfilled as we witness mitzvah observant families as replete with little ones, as clusters of grapes fill a fruit-basket. The Torah further states regarding this blessing, "You shall be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be male or female barren among you..." (Devarim 7:14) In our day and time, we are witnessing the beginning of this blessing, as modern medicine has developed new techniques for overcoming infertility. However, we pray that this blessing will continue to flourish and affect all the barren women of Israel, since many couples still suffer from childlessness. PRAYER AND HUMAN EFFORT GO HAND IN HAND No matter how developed the modern approaches for overcoming infertility,
prayer continues to be the most important component of begetting
children. However, we are also required to apply human effort (hishtadlut)
and use whatever means available today to accomplish the goal of
conception, pregnancy and birth. In this way, prayer and medical
procedures go hand in hand. The word for barren in Hebrew is "akar"
which also means to uproot and eradicate. The Schach explains the
verse, "there shall be no male or female barren amongst you,
or among your animals…." to mean that prayer will not
be uprooted before G-d. As long as you humble yourself like the
animals, your prayers will remain before Him for eternity to fulfill
your request.
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