This week’s parsha is “Eikev”. The commentators do not agree how to interpret this word. It is often translated as “trample with your heel” or “heel” as in Rashi’s translation, or “because” as we see in the chapter dealing with the binding of Isaac in Brashis. Ramban quotes the Targum “chalaf” which he seems to translate as replace or exchange(like chalipin). He then goes on to describe it as a “heel” and says, just as the heel is rounded, so too, good things comes around from heeding the word of Gd.

Is this overly simplistic. If I do as I am told things will be good all will be well. How do we understand that in light of today’s daf yomi, Brachot page 5 that says suffering or misfortune is something of an atonement.

The ShikkerDovid does not have a simple answer. Maybe misfortune heightens sensitivity and awareness of the Torah. When we go through something, we are more likely to empathize with someone else. Mabye we will feel their pain. The laws are there too heighten our awareness of others. Listen to the laws and guard them as the parsha tell us. Use the laws to heighten awareness and compassion for others. What goes around, comes around.