What's the Big Deal about Rain?

Rain is mentioned twice in the Torah portion of Eikev. First, the Torah tells us, “From the rain of heaven you will drink water.” The Land of Israel depends on rainfall since it has just one large body of fresh water.

In the second paragraph of the Shema prayer, which is also found in this Torah portion, rain is mentioned again. “If you listen to my commandments that I command you today—to love G‑d, your G‑d, and serve Him with all of your heart and with all your soul, then I will give you rain for your land in its proper time, the early and the late rains.”

The message is clear: Rainfall is not a random occurrence. It’s a blessing that comes directly from G‑d. Rainfall is the result of human prayer, as a verse in Genesis teaches, “And no plant of the field was yet on Earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprouted, for G‑d had not sent rain upon the Earth and there was no man to work the soil.”

Rashi explains that until the creation of the first human, there had been no one to appreciate the benefits of rain. Adam understood the significance of rain and prayed for it. As a result, rain fell, and trees and plants emerged. This emphasizes how great a blessing rain truly is.

In the same way humanity cannot survive without water, the Jewish people can’t survive without Torah. There are many references to water symbolizing Torah, perhaps none more direct than, “There is no water other than Torah.”

Like the physical rain, the blessings of Torah are drawn down by fulfilling G‑d’s commandments.

“The day when rain falls is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were created,” the Talmud tells us. Perhaps the Torah is likened to rain because it nurtures us to reach our full potential and become the people we were meant to be.

Wishing you a wonderful Shabbat!

Candle lighting time (NYC): Friday, 7:36 PM