The Song of Moses, Devarim/Deuteronomy 32:1-39, also known as Shirat Ha’azinu [“Give Ear”], ranges over past, present and future in Israel’s relationship to God. In outlining the poem’s structure, Nechama Leibowitz cites Moses Mendelssohn‘s Biur and an early 20th Century article published in German.
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Category: Devarim
Haazinu: Great Source(s)
OUR DAUGHTERS ASK: In his farewell addresses, Moses bequeaths to future generations teachings, laws, admonitions, blessings, and the inspiring example of his life. What can we leave behind for our children that can possibly compare with that legacy?
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Nitzavim: Something to Notice
This portion contains oft-quoted verses about Torah’s accessibility:
Surely, this Instruction which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach. It is not in the heavens, that you should say, “Who among us can go up to the heavens and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?” Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who among us can cross to the other side of the sea and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?” No the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it. Continue reading Nitzavim: Something to Notice
Nitzavim: Great Source(s)
…Rabbi Mordechai Joseph Leiner of Izbica interpreted the verse “Then the Lord your God will open up your heart and the hearts of your offspring to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, in order that you may live (Deuteronomy 30:6) to indicate that God doesn’t want us to neutralize our passion, but to channel it into the service of committed, ethical, godly living. Only thus, claimed the nineteenth-century Hasidic master, can we model engaged, sanctified life that can enliven both us and our descendants.
— from “A Few Choice Gifts,” by Howard Avruhm Addison. p.294, Continue reading Nitzavim: Great Source(s)
Nitzavim: Language and Translation
For this commandment that I command you today — it is not hidden [lo-niphleiot] from you and it is not distant. (Stone)
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Nitzavim: A Path to Follow
Robert Alter points out, in a note to verse 30:1, that “the term ‘turn back’ (shuv, reiterated in this chapter) is the thematic center of this passage, alternating between Israel and God in dialectic interplay.”
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Ki Tavo: Great Source(s)
“I led you for forty years in the Wilderness, your garment did not wear out from on you, and your shoe did not wear out from on your foot.” Continue reading Ki Tavo: Great Source(s)
Ki Tavo: Language and Translation
“I have removed the holy things [biarti ha-kadosh] from the house…” (Stone)
“I have cleared out the consecrated portion from the house…” (JPS, Plaut/Stein)
“I have rooted out what is sanctified from the house…” (Alter) Continue reading Ki Tavo: Language and Translation
Ki Tavo: Something to Notice
At the beginning of the portion, Moses describes a declaration to be made in conjunction with the first fruits. It is, for a change in Devarim/Deuteronomy, not accompanied by commentary from Moses about the people’s lack of understanding and gratitude, despite long experience of God’s power and bounty. Instead, it is assumed that the people will be appropriately awed and grateful following the harvest.
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Ki Tavo: A Path to Follow
You shall then recite as follows before your God YHVH: “My father was a fugitive Aramean. [Arami oved avi] He went down to Egypt…bringing us to this place and giving us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. Wherefore I now bring the first fruits of the soil which You, YHVH, have given me.” (Plaut/Stein)
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"A Song Every Day" 