Tag Archives: Moses

Deuteronomy: Lessons from the Fifth Book of Moses

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As I delve into the Book of Deuteronomy, often called Moses’ “second telling,” I’m struck by its intimate, conversational tone. In his later years, Moses reflects on the Israelites’ forty-year journey through the desert with nostalgia and profound wisdom. This book is more than a historical account; it’s a treasure trove of lessons that resonate deeply with our personal journeys.

Moses’ Plea for Forgiveness

Imagine standing before God, defending a people who have repeatedly faltered. This is precisely what Moses did. Despite the Israelites’ many missteps, Moses fervently advocated for them. His dramatic plea is captured in his words:

“Why should Your anger burn against Your people whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, ‘He brought them out to harm them, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth’?” (Exodus 32:11-12, NKJV)

Moses’ plea reveals a profound personal connection and a courageous commitment to justice and compassion. His ultimate request:

“But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” (Exodus 32:32, NIV)

After forty days, Moses returned with new tablets, symbolizing divine forgiveness—a moment we commemorate as Yom Kippur. This episode underscores the power of second chances and the possibility of redemption, echoed in God’s words:

“Salachti k’idvarecha/I have forgiven as you, (Moses), requested.”

Justice and Mercy

The concept of ‘din v’chesed,’ which balances justice and mercy, resonates deeply today. It encourages us to reflect on our actions, recognize our imperfections, and strive for growth. This is akin to our introspection during Elul, leading up to Yom Kippur, where we confront our shortcomings and seek forgiveness.

Consider how these themes play out in your own life. Have you faced challenges in balancing justice and mercy? How did you address them?

On Yom Kippur, our confessions are both deeply personal and communal. Leonard Cohen’s song, ‘Who by Fire,’ beautifully captures this sentiment, urging us to contemplate our fates and the potential consequences the new year may bring.

Moses’ Legacy and Teachings

Moses, revered as Moshe Rabbeinu, is celebrated for his exceptional leadership and dedication. He lived to the age of one hundred and twenty, and his legacy is honoured with the traditional blessing: “ad meah v’rim,” wishing for a life of purpose and longevity.

In Deuteronomy, Moses revisits and reaffirms the commandments, offering a roadmap for creating a just society. The commandments in Parsha Ki Tetze (When You Go Out to War) include:

  • Addressing a rebellious son
  • The mitzvah of sending away the mother bird before taking her young (shiluach haken)
  • The prohibition of mixing wool and linen (sha’atnez)
  • Laws against adultery, kidnapping, and ensuring fair treatment of workers
  • The imperative to show special care for widows and orphans
  • Upholding honesty in business, which is tied to a promise of longevity

These laws guided the Israelites and offered us valuable principles for living ethically and compassionately today. Imagine how these principles could influence your actions in both personal and professional settings.

Remembering the Exodus and Eradicating Evil

The Exodus from Egypt is a cherished theme, marked daily in our prayers and during Sabbaths and holidays. Parsha concludes with a command to erase Amalek’s memory, a reminder of the importance of confronting and overcoming evil. How do you address and surmount challenges in your own life?

Continued Learning and Hope

Reflecting on Rabbi Stewart Weiss’s insights, I gain a renewed understanding of Parsha Ki Tetze’s teachings. This week’s Haftorah, Isaiah 54 (Rani Akara), envisions a hopeful and renewed Israel—a joy-filled Jerusalem. This vision mirrors the recent return of Jews to their homeland after years of exile, symbolizing hope and continuity.

As we explore Deuteronomy, we draw inspiration from Moses’ enduring faith, commitment to justice, and vision for a hopeful future. His lessons remind us to navigate our lives with courage, compassion, and a belief in the power of redemption and renewal.

Reflect on moments where you’ve balanced justice and mercy; these reflections can offer valuable insights into your personal and professional life. Consider how the commandments from Parsha Ki Tetze might guide your actions, helping you approach situations with wisdom and integrity. Additionally, confronting and overcoming personal challenges can lead to growth and renewal. May you find inspiration and strength in Moses’ legacy and the enduring messages of hope and redemption in the Book of Deuteronomy.

Lessons from Shavuot

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Shavuot, known for commemorating the “Giving of the Torah,” is a significant moment in the Jewish calendar. It marks when the Jewish people entered a sacred covenant with G-d, receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai. While the holiday might seem understated today, its core message holds timeless significance. The image of Moses receiving the Torah and the collective embrace of this divine gift represents a bond that transcends time and tradition.

An Inclusive Celebration for All

Shavuot embodies a profoundly inclusive celebration. It’s a time when our community—no matter our age or background—comes together in unity. I vividly remember attending a Shavuot service where everyone shared a sense of anticipation and connection, from the youngest child to the eldest member. The phrase “those who are here today and those who are not yet here” beautifully encapsulates this spirit. It reminds us of our links to the present, future generations, and those who have come before us.

Moses’ address to the people highlights this inclusivity: “atem nitzavim hayom kulchem”—“You are standing today, all of you, before the Lord your God: your leaders, your tribes, your elders and your officers, all the men of Israel, your little ones, your wives, and the stranger who is in your camp, from the one who chops your wood to the one who draws your water.” He emphasizes, “I am making this covenant, with its oath, not only with you who stand here with us today before the Lord our God but also with those who are not here with us today.” This sense of inclusiveness isn’t just a historical note; it’s a living principle that continues to shape our identities and relationships today.

The Awe-Inspiring Revelation on Mount Sinai

Contemplating Moses climbing Mount Sinai to receive the Torah evokes a profound sense of awe. When he returned, the people were eager to receive this divine gift. In Exodus 19:5-6, G-d promises Moses that if the Israelites adhere to His commandments, they will become a treasured possession and a kingdom of priests. This promise depends on their acceptance of G-d’s terms:

“And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if you will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Israel.'”

The Collective Embrace of Torah

A remarkable aspect of this moment is how the Torah was intended for everyone. Unlike ancient hieroglyphs reserved for a select few, the Torah was meant to be accessible to all. Moses was instructed to share it with the elders, who then passed it on to every individual in Israel. This inclusivity ensures every community member is part of this sacred tradition—a true kingdom of priests.

The Israelites’ acceptance of the Torah in the wilderness prompts reflection: Was their consent genuine, given their circumstances? Shavuot’s annual renewal reminds us of our continuous commitment to these principles.

As the mountain thundered and the people witnessed the giving of the Commandments, the experience was awe-inspiring and unifying: “All the people saw the thunder and the lightning, the sound of the horn, and the mountain smoking.”

Renewing Our Connection

Shavuot provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our connection to the Torah. Traditionally, we gather to read the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth. This year, despite pandemic restrictions, our community adapted by finding creative ways to honour the tradition. I participated in a special Torah study session, limited to a small group. Rabbi Eliyahu Gateno’s explanation of the Ten Commandments’ arrangement clarified their relevance to our daily lives.

The first tablet focuses on our relationship with G-d, addressing the importance of honouring Him, avoiding idolatry, and keeping the Sabbath. The second tablet deals with interpersonal ethics, including prohibitions against murder, theft, adultery, false witness, and coveting.

Understanding the arrangement and implications of these commandments has profound significance. For example, the commandment against coveting highlights the psychological aspect of human nature, reminding us to overcome envy and cultivate contentment.

Embracing the Spirit of Shavuot

As we celebrate Shavuot, we renew our commitment to the Torah and the values that unite us. This holiday encourages reflection, study, and strengthening community bonds. By deeply engaging with these teachings, we ensure that Shavuot’s lessons resonate in our lives today and continue to guide us in the future. Whether you are Jewish or not, the principles of Shavuot offer a universal message of inclusivity, commitment, and the importance of shared values.

Footnotes:

  1. Generations Yet Unborn Are Watching, Sunday, September 15, 2013
  2. The Shadow of the Mountain: Consent and Coercion at Sinai By Gerald Blitstein
  3. Sefaria: Seeing sound making sense of Sinai offers a collection of the many oral Torah explications over the centuries and within our own time about seeing and hearing the voices and sounds at Sinai.