Rabbi Moshe Shalit - Shabbat Bi-shabbato Parshas Eikev:

 

The Seven Species in this week's Torah portion, the choice products of Eretz Yisrael which are unique for the nation of Yisrael, can teach us the way of serving G-d  through the concept that "man is the same as the tree of the field" [Devarim 20:19]. The verse in this week's portion can be viewed as symbols of internal steps to be followed by the soul. Here is how the Chabad Rebbe interprets the words of Devarim 8:8 one word at a time, following the Chassidic approach:

 

Land

 

The earth is hard, and specifically from there, "the earth is from where the bread comes" [Iyov 28:5]. The earth symbolizes the necessity of hard work in the service of G-d. Nothing will succeed without hard labor, plowing the earth, planting, watering, and taking care of the fields. There are no shortcuts. It is necessary to develop a sweat.

 

Wheat

 

Wheat is the food of human beings. The spiritual part of wheat is called a person, named for "earth on high," representing the Divine soul. It is necessary to awaken the supernatural forces within us, the "real portion of G-d above" which exists in each and every one of us. Just like an atom bomb, where a miniscule amount of material provides power and value that it is difficult to grasp in our minds, so is the soul of every Jew.

 

Barley

 

Barley is the food of animals. After we have revealed our internal Divine strength and we have become filled with holy energy, we can and should work on the "animal" inside us, referring to our "animal soul." It is not inherently bad, rather it is far removed from the light of the Living King. It is our duty to "work" on it and to bring it closer to holiness.

 

The Vine

 

Wine represents happiness. And this teaches us how we must perform our labor – our service must incorporate the happiness of the grape, "My liquid, which makes G-d and man happy" [Shoftim 9:13]. Both the labor of revealing the "Divine" within us and our involvement with our natural "animal" souls – the humanity within us – must come about through happiness. This is the only way to burst out of the limits of the real world and to truly advance.

 

The Fig

 

The fig represents a garment. Fig leaves were Adam's clothing. A garment hides the body, but it is also an expression of our personality. Similarly, our thoughts, speech, and deeds are an expression of and cover the soul hidden behind them. We must do our best to maintain the perfection and the purity of the "clothing." Improving the internal soul alone is not enough, it is also necessary to carefully watch over the form and content of our thoughts, speech, and deeds. The fig teaches us to treat the practical expressions of the soul with respect.

 

The Pomegranate

 

The pomegranate is a symbol of natural abundance. Above we discussed the perfection and mainly the purity of the clothing, including the force of action. Now we discuss an increase in the number of good deeds. We must draw out the holiness from within, through the "clothing," into this world. We must perform many deeds, to insert holiness into more and more things in this world. A few seeds is not enough, we must be "as full of mitzvot as a pomegranate has seeds."

 

Land

 

The second mention of the land also refers to labor, but of an "enhanced" type – to face problems, obstructions, and hindrances that block our way. While the "land" at the beginning of the verse refers to the fact of existence in the natural world, which requires meeting challenges and labor, this second mention of the "land" refers to survival while in exile and conquest in wars against tests which demand from us and reveal within us unique strength.

 

Oil-Giving Olives

 

Success in meeting challenges is found in "olive oil." The olive is bitter and is not edible as it is. The "only way it will release its oil is through crushing" [Menachot 53]. But from bitterness and crushing the result is the choice and prestigious olive oil, which floats on top of all other liquids, demonstrating its superiority. This is the unique reward for the labor of struggling against special difficulties.

 

Honey

 

Unlimited patience, an investment, and care will lead to "honey!" The labor of the palm tree takes a long time. In the Zohar it is written that the dates on a palm start to appear only after seventy years (Vayikra, page 17). The verse does not give the name of the fruit, only that it is made into "honey," in line with the verse, "the light is more beneficial than the darkness" [Kohellet 2:13].

After arriving in this world (land), awakening of the soul (wheat), labor on the animal soul and the clothing, in both quality and quantity (barley, figs, and pomegranates) in joy (wine), and by meeting the challenges (earth and an olive with oil), we are able to achieve the final goal – "honey!"