parsha bit: Eikev

[cellio]

During his final speech to the Israelites, Moshe tells the people "circumcise your hearts", an insruction that Jeremiah later repeats. The Rambam sees this as a warning against stubbornness and obstinacy, tendencies that can overwhelm our ability to make good decisions. To circumcise our hearts is to remain open to the teachings of torah, the anguish of others, the mistakes we will make, and the need to correct them. (Guide for the Perplexed 33)