Art by Rivka Korf Studio
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY
This Shabbos begins the 5th and final book of the Torah, Devarim, commonly known as Deuteronomy; literally it translates to mean, “words.” These words refer to the ones spoken by Moses as he reiterates the stories, lessons and laws of the Torah. The final book is written in different form as well; Moses is relating to the Jews from his own perspective rather than as a narrator. For example, in previous books, it would say, “and G-d spoke to Moses,” whereas in Devarim, it would say, “and G-d spoke to me…” What is the lesson? Let’s pause for a moment and consider the Jewish calendar: This week’s Shabbat falls out just prior to Tisha B’av, the day on which both Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed. It is considered the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. We mourn the loss and acknowledge that without The Temple, there is a massive void in the collective Jewish community. Similarly so, Moses, their quintessential leader, is preparing for his passing this week and is thus reiterating the highlights of the Torah from his perspective; Joshua will continue but there will be an inevitable void without Moses. So what is the takeaway? Both of these voids leave room for opportunity. For personalization. For growth. Yes, Moses is preparing to pass away, but how does he frame this final book? Make it yours, take this Torah which I’ve passed on to you and take lessons that you can internalize and make your own. And the Temple? The Temple was destroyed which was a tragic event, and yet our sages tell us that we each have the responsibility to make our own “Temples.” Our homes. Our hearts. Our synagogues (even though they don’t embody the same holiness as the Temple did). Wherever we carry our connection to G-d and sanctify Him through our behavior, we rebuild the Temple. And this is the mission of our generation: Take the Torah’s lessons and bring G-dliness into the world, so that we may merit to see the actual rebuilding of the Third Temple. Today, as we are dealing with so much pain and uncertainty in the world, it’s an especially opportune time for us all to increase in our unique holy efforts. And may we turn the mourning fast of Tisha B’Av into the celebration feast it was meant to be! Good Shabbos!