Monday, September 24, 2012

September 29, 2012


 Parashat Ha'azinu, Deuteronomy 32:1–52

The Times Are A-Changing

In his final poetic speech to the Israelites, Moshe encourages them to understand the potential for change in every generation.

Rabbi Neal J. Loevinger

Overview

Parashat Ha'azinu is Moses' last speech to the Israelites--it is a powerful poem recalling the sacred history since the Exodus from Egypt, and warning the Israelites in the strongest terms not to stray from the path that God has commanded. At the end of the parasha, God tells Moses that he will be able to see the Land of Israel, but will not be able to enter it.

In Focus

"Remember the days of old, understand the years of the generations. . ." (Deuteronomy 32:7).

Pshat

At the beginning of his long, poetic, theological discourse, Moses asks the current generation to consider the past, when the previous generations had done things that brought about God's anger. Presumably Moses is referring to the people's complaining in the desert, the building of the Golden Calf, and other acts of apparent rebellion. As we make our choices in life, it's important to consider and be open to learning the lessons of history.

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