Mitzvot for Practice

The second paragraph of Shema is found in Parshat Eikev. At the end of the paragraph, the Torah commands us that, “these matters shall be placed on our hearts and on our souls.”

Rashi quotes the Sifrei who says that we learn from here that the Mitzvot should also be observed outside the land of Israel. They must not become stale, so that you will know what to do when you come into the land.

He gives the example of someone on a hike, and he places signs along the way, so that he will easily find his way back.

On numerous occasions in the Book of Devarim, the Torah adds that the Mitzvot were meant to be observed in the land. It is not normal for a Jew to be living outside the land. The intention was that the Torah be observed in Eretz Yisrael. There are numerous Mitzvot that even today can only be observed in Israel.

It is important to have the right perspective and mindset as to who we are as Jews, and what is our ultimate purpose in this world. It is worth taking into account Rashi’s view that Mitzvot in Chutz L’aretz are only for practice.