Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Devarim | Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan—in the wilderness, on the plain opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Di-zahab” (Deuteronomy 1:1, NRSVUE).
In the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, we find Moses addressing his people at the edge of the promised land. He is reviewing the Israelites’ travels from Mt Sinai, and the tumultuous events along the way. A close reading reveals that this is not sentimental reminiscing; this is a leader preparing a younger generation for the next critical stage of nationhood. Some Torah commentators explore a psychological profile of Moses, likening his troubles along the journey to those of parenthood. He is a great leader, yes, but his address also reveals a flawed human being struggling to come to grips with the past forty years and his hopes and dreams for his children, at times even blaming them as a projection of his own unresolved issues. Our Torah portion reveals a profound I-Thou relationship between Moses and the Israelites (note the word ‘you’ repeatedly punctuating his speech); a relationship laden with conflict and alienation amidst commitment and intimacy.
Reflection:
As a parent or parent figure, as a pastor or community leader, can you relate to Moses’ sacrifices, heroism, weaknesses and struggles?
If you were Moses, what aspects of the journey would you highlight for your listeners?
Teresa Pirola, Sydney, Australia
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4