Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 11:11 mean when it describes the Land of Israel as 'a land of hills and valleys'?
A: Rashi explains that this description highlights the unique agricultural nature of the Land of Israel. Unlike Egypt, which relied on the Nile's predictable flooding for irrigation, Israel depends on rainfall (Devarim 11:10-11). The varied topography ('hills and valleys') means different areas receive different amounts of rain, teaching us that we must pray for rain appropriate for each region.
Q: Why is it significant that the Land of Israel 'drinks water of the rain of heaven'?
A: The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that this shows Israel's special relationship with Hashem. While Egypt had consistent Nile irrigation, Israel depends directly on divine providence through rainfall (Devarim 11:12). This teaches us that living in Israel requires constant faith in G-d's blessings and proper behavior to merit rain (Ta'anit 2a).
Q: What practical lesson can we learn today from Deuteronomy 11:11?
A: The Sforno explains this verse teaches that agricultural success in Israel depends on our spiritual state. Today, we learn that all blessings - including rain and prosperity - are connected to our mitzvah observance (see Rashi on Devarim 11:13-14). This applies whether living in Israel or elsewhere, as all sustenance ultimately comes from Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to the mitzvah of praying for rain?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 10a) derives from this verse that we must pray for rain during the proper seasons in Israel. Since the land depends on heavenly rain rather than river irrigation, we recognize our dependence on Hashem and pray accordingly. This is why we insert 'v'tein tal u'matar' (request for dew and rain) in the Amidah during winter.
Q: Why does the Torah compare Egypt's irrigation to Israel's rainfall system?
A: Rashi (Devarim 11:10) explains this contrast teaches that in Egypt, people could irrigate fields at will by drawing water, leading to arrogance. But in Israel, rainfall depends on merit, fostering humility and dependence on Hashem. The Midrash (Sifrei) adds that this shows Israel's spiritual superiority - its blessings come directly from G-d's providence.
Geographical and Spiritual Significance of Eretz Yisrael
The verse (Devarim 11:11) describes Eretz Yisrael as "a land of hills and valleys, and drinks water of the rain of heaven." Rashi explains that this contrasts with Egypt, where irrigation was dependent on the Nile's flooding. In Eretz Yisrael, rainfall is directly from Hashem, emphasizing the need for divine favor and the people's righteousness to receive sustenance.
Dependence on Divine Providence
Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:1-3) teaches that rainfall in Eretz Yisrael is a sign of divine blessing contingent upon mitzvah observance. The Talmud (Ta'anit 2a) states that the keys to rain are in Hashem's hands alone, symbolizing the direct relationship between the Jewish people and Hashem in their homeland.
Symbolism of Hills and Valleys
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 41) interprets the "hills and valleys" as representing:
Rain as a Metaphor for Torah
The Talmud (Ta'anit 7a) compares Torah to rain, as both descend from heaven to nourish growth. Just as rain sustains physical life in Eretz Yisrael, Torah sustains spiritual life. This reinforces the idea that the land's fertility is intertwined with the people's commitment to Torah.