Shalom Friends,
Welcome back to our Neshamah community and your Jewish home.
I’ve decided to return to our foundation and focus on the Torah. You know we read the Torah in order starting on Simchat Torah. Since we are still before Simchat Torah on the calendar now, we are currently reading the last book of the Torah, Dvarim.
Dvarim is presented as Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites. Moses knows his life is ending and his role as Israel’s leader and champion is closing. Moses could, understandably, use his final days to be alone or with his family. Instead Moses stands before the community one last time and tries to convey the essence of being a Jew.
I have an image of a parent dropping their teen off at college and trying to impart years of childhood lessons in one final goodbye hug. Don’t walk alone at night; make friends with the smart ones; have fun but be safe; call home!
In Deuteronomy, Moses presents a long list of blessings and curses. If the Israelites follow God’s laws, blessings will flow. And if not, the Israelites will be cursed and expelled from the land.
But more significantly than what Moses says in Deuteronomy is how he says it. At the end of his life Moses shifts from his roles as prophet, leader, law giver to his most lasting role: teacher. In this comprehensive farewell speech, Moses teaches our theological foundation – Shema Yisrael – belief in one God. Moses also teaches about creating a just society and caring for our natural resources. And ultimately, Moses teaches the Israelites about personal responsibility.
I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life, that you and your descendants may live! (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Moses the teacher is saying: here is the wisdom and guidance of our tradition. Learn it, question it, make it your own, share it and pass it on to others. Moses will not live to see what choices the Israelites make but he seems to have faith that the Israelites will choose correctly.
Choosing life is one of the revolutionary messages of Deuteronomy. This is one time when the Torah actually zooms out and reminds us of the big picture. Judaism is meant to enhance our lives, to add beauty and meaning to our days and our relationships.
When we’re in doubt – about how to handle a personal conflict, how to navigate an uncomfortable situation – this big picture reminder can give us focus. Which path brings more joy and peace to our life? Which path is the way of deeper living? Which path more aligns with our lives and our values?
Although it may not give perfect clarity, I believe that considering life’s challenges with this lens – choosing the path of life – is a potent spiritual tool taught by Moses and relevant even for us today.
Shabbat Shalom & Love,
Rabbi Amy