The title of this week’s parsha says everything that needs to be said about the Jewish story, nation and people. After forty years of war, rebellion, strife, great accomplishment, Divine revelation, miracles, defeats, Torah study, and personal and national tragedies and heartbreak, Moshe remarks, almost incredulously, that atem nitzavim – you are erect and still standing proud and mighty.... READ MORE →
The explicit descriptions of the disasters, personal and national, that make up a large potion of this week’s parsha raise certain issues. Why do Moshe and the Torah paint such a harsh and unforgiving picture of the Jewish future before the people? And if we expect people to glory in their Jewishness, is this the way to sell the product, so to speak? We all support the concept of truth in... READ MORE →
The idea of the necessity of a fence on one’s roof and exposed staircases and high landings is a very logical and realistic one. The Torah itself advances this simple reasoning by stating that otherwise one may fall from that exposed area with painful if not tragic consequences. However halacha and practicality indicate that not everyone is obligated in this mitzvah and that there are physical... READ MORE →
This week’s parsha emphasizes, albeit in an indirect fashion, the litigious nature of human society and the requirement for the appointment of judges to decide disputes and for police to enforce those decisions. A perfect world needs no judges or courts, police or bailiffs. Our very imperfect world cannot reasonably hope to function and exist in their absence. Law and order are the... READ MORE →
בפרשת השבוע ממשיכה התורה לעסוק בנושא שהופיע בפרשיות הקודמות בספר דברים ומדגישה שוב שאנחנו תמיד עומדים בפני בחירות ברורות בחיים – ברכות או קללות, טוב או רע. לכאורה, מילות התורה אינן מציעות שום דרך ביניים בשאלות יסוד... READ MORE →
In this week’s parsha the Torah continues with the theme that runs through the previous parshiyot of Dvarim, that we are always faced with stark choices in life – either blessings or curses, good or evil. The words of the Torah seemingly offer little option for middle ground on these basic issues of belief and behavior. Yet, we are all aware that the events in life are rarely, if ever, all... READ MORE →
פרשת השבוע קושרת את קיום מצוות התורה, בייחוד את כל האזהרות מפני עבודת-זרה, עם ברכות גשמיות של אריכות ימים והצלחה. כבר דורות רבים החיבור הזה מעורר ויכוח ודיון פילוסופי גדול, מפני שהקשר הסיבתי בין הדברים לא תמיד ניכר... READ MORE →
The parsha ties together the observance of the Torah commandments, especially the warnings against paganism and idolatry, with the earthly blessings of longevity and prosperity. Over the ages this has caused great philosophic debate and discussion, for this cause and effect relationship is not always apparent in the national or personal lives of the Jewish people. Many commentators hasten... READ MORE →
The basic declaration of Jewish faith - Shema Yisrael – appears in this week’s parsha. This affirmation of the core principle of Jewish faith – the uniqueness and oneness of God coupled with our acceptance of God’s sovereignty over us – according to Jewish tradition was first uttered by the children of Yaakov at the time of his passing from this life to a better world. Throughout... READ MORE →
This year the Shabat on which parsha of Dvarim is being read publicly in the synagogue is itself the ninth day of Av. There are differing customs as to how to treat this Shabat and whether any restrictions whatsoever should pertain to our usual Shabat pleasures and enjoyment. Even though the prevailing custom is to treat this Shabat in the usual and normal fashion, the parsha of Dvarim all by... READ MORE →
