With this week’s parashah, we start a new book of the Torah. Called Deuteronomy in English (Second Law) and D’varim in Hebrew (Words), it is unlike the other books of the Torah in tone and content. This is Moses’ swan song, his last chance to impart his knowledge and wisdom to the Israelites before he dies, Joshua takes over, and the settlement of Canaan begins.
The book of Deuteronomy particularly stresses the oneness of God (the Sh’ma comes from Dt. 6), the primacy of worship at the one central location, and the Deuteronomic theology that adherence to God’s laws, both ritual and justice-oriented, is essential to maintaining God’s love and God’s favor.
In this week’s opening parashah, Moses begins by recalling to the Israelites the details of their journey. Remember, this is the generation that grew up in the desert, not the generation that left Egypt. So they do not necessarily know this information, which to them might seem like ancient history, while to Moses it is the story of most of his life. Of course, his telling doesn’t always match what we heard in the earlier books. But isn’t that always the way – we retell our histories as we remember them, and according to what was most important to us, even if our memories aren’t always accurate.
The Israelites, who so often were fractious and rebellious, muttering and moaning, are now quiet and respectful as they absorb all they need to know and take their last opportunity to learn from their beloved leader. So, too, should we all listen and respect the wisdom and experience of those who came before us, as they try to give us whatever they think we will need when they will no longer be here to guide us. -Rabbi Bonnie Margulis
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