The Book of Deuteronomy, also known as Moses’ ‘second telling,’ recounts the story of the Israelites’ forty-year journey through the desert, chronicling their trials and triumphs. As Moses nears the end of his life, he imparts timeless wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. The sacred text includes his pleas for forgiveness, as well as his reflections on justice and mercy.

Moses Pleads for Forgiveness

The LORD deemed the Israelites stiff-necked, prompting Moses to plead for mercy. Despite the people’s transgressions, Moses interceded, offering himself for their forgiveness.

“I have seen these people,” the LORD said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” (Exodus 32:9-10)

Moses dared to confront G-d, voicing his concerns:

“Why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth?’

With fervent pleas, Moses implored G-d for forgiveness:

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

After forty days, Moses returned with new tablets, signifying divine forgiveness celebrated as Yom Kippur. The tablets convey G-d’s message with these decisive words:

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

Justice and Mercy

The following passage illustrates the concept of ‘din v’chesed,’ which balances justice and mercy, guiding introspection and communal repentance. According to this belief, God is a compassionate judge who acknowledges that people are not perfect and encourages them to keep growing and improving. God carefully evaluates every action, providing opportunities for progress even in small steps. For the Jewish community, God is the ultimate authority when it comes to judgment and redemption.

Reflecting on one’s achievements and failures becomes essential, akin to the introspective process of Elul leading to Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur, communal prayers meticulously enumerate various sins, yet the responsibility for each rests solely with the individual. Have you treated others with respect? Have you been fair in your dealings?

The confessions within our prayers are private dialogues whispered solely between you and God. We acknowledge that ultimate judgment lies in God’s hands. On Yom Kippur, we recite the poignant prayer popularized by Leonard Cohen’s song, ‘Who by Fire,’ contemplating the diverse fates that await each of us—the fitting consequences in the coming year.

Moses’ Legacy and Teachings

Legend has it that Moses lived to the age of one hundred and twenty, and the traditional Jewish blessing for longevity is “ad meah v’rim,” meaning “May you live to one hundred and twenty!”

Moses, known as Moshe Rabbeinu, provided a leadership blueprint throughout his life, characterized by dedicated service to others. In the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses reiterates many previously given biblical commandments and lays a blueprint for establishing a just community—a timeless challenge.

Commandments Highlighted in Parsha Ki Tetze:

For a glimpse into Moses’ instructions, consider some of the commandments highlighted in this week’s Torah reading, Parsha Ki Tetze (When You Go Out to War). The Parsha commences with the scenario of Eshet Y’fat To’ar, addressing the situation of a beautiful non-Jewish woman taken captive in war. Subsequently, the Torah outlines the procedures for a Jewish soldier seeking to marry such a woman captured in battle.

Among the commandments covered are:

• How to deal with the rebellious son;
• The command to shoo away the mother bird before taking her young (known as “shiluach haken”);
• The prohibition of mixing wool and linen together (“sha’atnez”);
• Laws against adultery and kidnapping;
• The allowance for divorce in cases of failed marriages;
• The obligation to promptly pay workers, particularly day laborers;
• Moses also emphasizes the importance of showing extra care for widows and orphans due to their heightened vulnerability;
• Lastly, the mandate to uphold honesty in all business dealings, one of three commandments promising longevity.

Remembering the Exodus and Eradicating Evil

We are reminded daily of the Exodus from Egypt, a central theme in our prayers. We sanctify the Sabbath and the holidays through the Kiddush ritual with wine at our tables.

Our Parsha concludes with a directive to completely eradicate Amalek and their descendants, a nation that viciously attacked the Israelites during their desert journey, indiscriminately targeting the weary women and children. This command underscores the imperative to eliminate the memory of their heinous actions.

Continued Learning and Hope

During Rabbi Stewart Weiss’s enlightening discussion, I gained a deeper understanding of the laws of Parsha Ki Tetze. These fundamental values and principles require ongoing contemplation, similar to the periodic reaffirmation of marital vows.

The assigned Haftorah for this week is Isaiah 54, also known as Rani Akara. This portion is part of the “Haftorot of Consolation for the Destruction of the Jerusalem Temple,” and it prophesies a hopeful future for Israel. It envisions a Jerusalem with expanded borders, welcoming new inhabitants, and resounding with joy and celebration. Some scholars interpret this vision as having been fulfilled with the recent return of Jews to their ancestral homeland after millennia of exile.

As we explore Deuteronomy, its timeless truths and enduring relevance continue to resonate with us. We take inspiration from Moses’s unwavering faith, commitment to justice, and vision for a future filled with hope and happiness.