Eye of the Tiger

Eyes Open, Spirit Ready: Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and Parashat Ki Tavo

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is an anthem of perseverance, grit, and determination. Written for the Rocky IIIsoundtrack, it captures the mindset of someone who has been knocked down but rises again, sharper and more focused than before. With lyrics like “Went the distance, now I’m back on my feet” and “Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival,” the song isn’t just about victory—it’s about endurance, resilience, and the decision to act with strength even in the face of adversity.

That fierce, forward-facing energy echoes the heart of our theme this year: Na’aseh V’nishma—“We will do, and we will hear.” In this declaration from Sinai, the people of Israel commit to action before fully understanding. It’s a declaration of spiritual courage: we step forward before we know all the answers. We rise not because the path is easy, but because doing the right thing is the starting point of faith and learning.

This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Ki Tavo, opens with a powerful example of action-first devotion: the mitzvah of bikkurim, the bringing of the first fruits. The farmer doesn’t wait until harvest is over or until their fields are secure. Instead, they take the very first, most vulnerable fruits and bring them to God—an act of gratitude, but also of bold, unwavering faith. Later, the parasha spells out a vision of blessing and curse, of ascent and descent, all hinging on the people’s willingness to walk in God’s ways—not with hesitation, but with clarity and commitment.

There is no room in Ki Tavo for passivity or doubt. The Torah calls us to rise, to act, to choose blessing, and to enter the land with conviction. Just like the fighter in “Eye of the Tiger,” we are summoned to live with focus, to keep our eyes on the purpose, and to move forward—even when the odds are against us.

Na’aseh means we don’t wait for perfect understanding. We begin by doing. We act justly, walk humbly, give generously, and speak kindly. The listening will come. But first, we rise.