Moses Saves Infant Who Later Becomes Symbol of Idolatry in Israel's History
The Torah portion "Eikev" highlights the profound value of seemingly minor commandments and recounts a surprising story about a baby named Micah, who was rescued from between bricks and later became a symbol of idolatry in Israel. Rabbi Baruch Rozenblum explained that the word "eikev" (meaning "because" or "heel") in the Torah signifies that even the smallest commandments, which people tend to overlook or "tread underfoot," are crucial and bring great divine reward when observed carefully.
The story begins in Egypt during the Israelites' harsh slavery. Pharaoh, after refusing to supply building materials, demanded the same work output, threatening to use the infants of families who failed to meet quotas as mortar between bricks. One pregnant woman, Rachel bat Shuthelach, accidentally dropped her newborn into the mortar pit. No one noticed until Moses happened upon the site and heard the baby's faint cries. Despite questioning God about the tragedy, Moses was commanded to rescue the infant, named Micah, meaning "one supported by the building."
Centuries later, during the period of the Judges, Micah established a house of idolatry near Shiloh. To attract visitors, he opened a free soup kitchen for the poor, who, grateful for the food, were then persuaded to worship idols. This mingling of idolatrous smoke with the pure incense of the Tabernacle provoked divine displeasure. When angels requested permission to kill Micah, God refused, citing Micah's kindness in feeding travelers.
Micah further sought a priest to legitimize his cult and enlisted Jonathan, Moses' grandson, who managed the idolatrous shrine for many years. The narrative teaches two key lessons: acts of charity provide spiritual protection even if one errs in other ways, and maintaining simple faith in God's plan eases life's burdens. The story underscores that faith and kindness can coexist with human flaws, influencing Israel's spiritual history profoundly.
