Va'etchanan Summaries
Va'etchanan 5770-2010 "Moses Blames the People for His Fate" On several occasions G-d tells Moses directly that he may not enter the land of Canaan because he failed to sanctify G-d’s name when he hit the rock at May M’reeva. Why then does Moses, at least twice, blame the Jewish people for his being unable to enter the promised land? link to full |
Va'etchanan 5769-2009 "Tisha B’Av: Never Beyond Redemption" In parashat Va’etchanan we read the portion “Kee to’leed ba’neem,” which is read on Tisha B’Av. It predicts that the Jewish people will stray from G-d and commit horrible sins. And yet, it is one of the most optimistic portions, promising that G-d will welcome us back with open arms no matter how far we stray. link to full |
Va'etchanan 5768-2008“A Hopeful Message for Jewish Future” Tu B’Av (the 15th day of Av), an ancient day of joy and matchmaking, is observed this year on Friday evening and Shabbat, August 15 and 16, 2008. Happy Tu B’Av. . link to full |
Va'etchanan 5767-2007"May We Test G-d?"
In parashat Va’etchanan we seem to be given a very strong admonition prohibiting the testing of G-d. Why is this so? Are there any exceptions to this rule? Link to full |
Va'etchanan 5766-2006"A Small Verse that Started a Mighty Revolution"
Although parashat Va'et'chanan is filled with many important verses and themes, one surprising verse, "You shall do what is fair and good in the eyes of G-d," (Deuteronomy 6:18) stands out for its revolutionary quality, setting a new precedent for Judaism's moral/legal underpinnings. This verse teaches that each Jew is exhorted to go beyond the letter of the law and to always strive to relate to neighbors and friends in a generous and giving manner. Link to full |
Va'etchanan 5765-2005“The Jewish Attitude Towards Intermarriage”
In parashat Va'etchanan we read of the stern prohibition against intermarriage with those who are not members of the Jewish faith. Different arguments are often presented why Jewish young people should not intermarry. Perhaps the most compelling argument is that only those who marry within the faith can hope to be part of the revolutionary mission of the Jewish people to perfect the world under the rule of the Al-mighty and to serve as a light unto the nations. Link to full |
Va’etchanan 5764-2004 Judaism has always placed a premium on the spiritual, an emphasis that has kept Jewish life alive and flourishing for over 3000 years. While we certainly need to continue to focus on the well-being of our souls, now may be the propitious time for all people, especially the Jewish community, to pay more attention to our bodies. Jewish leaders need to speak out forcefully regarding the ills of overeating and smoking, to encourage proper eating and exercise. This parasha, which features some of the ultimate spiritual texts of the Torah, such as the Shema and the Ten Commandments, also underscores the critical attention that needs to be placed upon the mitzvah of taking care of our bodies. |
Va’etchanan 5763-2003 The Shema prayer is the central prayer that speaks of the acceptance of the dominion of G-d upon us. Two major questions come immediately to mind. Why do our rabbis speak of this text, calling it the acceptance of the “yoke of heaven,” a phrase that is rather intimidating and seemingly overbearing? Another major question that is bothersome is the nature of the first line of Shema. Why are we told to “love” the L-rd, with all our hearts, soul, and might? Shouldn’t we be told to “believe” in the L-rd, our G-d, with all our heart, souls, and might? |
Va’etchanan 5762-2002 One of the kinot, the liturgical poems that are read on Tishah Ba’Av, speaks of the calamity that befell the Jewish communities of the Rhineland, Germany--Worms, Speyer and Mainz (Mayence) in the year 1096 during the First Crusade. The ArtScroll commentary on this poem throws out a profound challenge to the Jewish people today. Will we rise to the occasion and acknowledge the special gift of the land of Israel, or will we ignore it, and continue to compose elegies for the losses that we sustain? |
Va’etchanan 5761-2001 The phrase “V’shee’nan’tahm l’vah’neh’chah” and you shall teach your children, found in the Shema underscores the Torah’s mandate requiring Jews to educate their children. There is no such thing as overdosing on Jewish education, or being too zealous or too extreme about Jewish education. Parents must not compromise on Jewish education. The alternative is very much Jewish oblivion. |
Va’etchanan 5760-2000 In parashat Va’etchanan we learn of the fifth commandment of honoring father and mother. The Code of Jewish Law goes into extensive detail regarding the obligations of honoring and revering parents. A cursory study of the Codes’ directives seem to place all the obligations on the children and all the privileges on the parents. But Judaism attempts to create a very delicate balance. The radical regulations of parenting set down in the Talmud and in our Code are based on insights of our Torah. They are ancient and insightful, and they work. |