This Shabbat, as we read from the Book of Deuteronomy, we hear Moses’ retelling of the Israelites’ exploits in the wilderness, including the tale of the spies. Moses recalls how the Israelites, fearful of Canaan’s inhabitants, rebel against Moses and threaten to return to Egypt. In exchange, God decrees that an entire Israelite generation must perish in the wilderness. Why does Moses return to this harrowing tale so quickly? The story serves to justify Moses’ sermons on the banks of the Jordan that comprise the book of Deuteronomy. This generation of Israelites experienced neither redemption nor revelation, so Moses’ words are invaluable to them. In addition, the tale reinforces an essential lesson that the Israelites must bear in mind as they endeavor to conquer the land, the need to overcome their fears. Though our fears serve the fundamental purpose of helping us identify and avoid dangers, fear also restricts [...]

This Shabbat, we begin to read from the book of D’varim, Deuteronomy, which, according to the text, contains teachings delivered by Moses to Israel before they enter the Promised Land. Knowing that they must go forward without him, he dedicates his final moments to reviewing their journeys, the lessons they learned, and the laws and precepts that will guide them as they enter Israel.“On the other side of the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses began to clarify this teaching (this Torah), stating… (Deuteronomy 1:5)”Moses’ choice to take this final opportunity to reinforce his Torah, his teachings, reminds me of that last message parents sneak in before dropping their children off at school for the day or those last instructions parents give before sending their students off to college. Even as educators, workplace leaders, or community leaders, we often do the same. “Make good choices!” are always the last [...]

This week’s Shabbat, the first in the month of Av, is known as Shabbat Chazon, a sabbath of vision, containing the third of three Haftarot – selections from the prophets – that rebuke Israel for its intransigence. Taken from Isaiah, the selection condemns Israel for privileging ritual over morality: “Why [bring] your sacrifices to me?” asks Adonai, “I am stuffed with the offerings of rams, the suet of fatlings, the blood of bulls. I take no delight in lambs and goats. Who asked that you come to look upon Me? Trample my courts no more. Bringing oblations is futile. Incense is abominable to Me. Do not proclaim your sabbaths or new moons and gather in iniquity. Your months and seasons fill Me with loathing. They have become a burden to Me. I cannot endure them (Isaiah 1:11-14).”Rather, the prophet urges, Israel must:“Learn to do good. Devote yourselves to justice. Aid the [...]

Today is Rosh Chodesh Av, the beginning of the Hebrew month of Av.Originally derived from the Assyro-Babylonian month, abu, which referred to the reeds and bulrushes cut in the late summer to support ancient urban construction, Av is never named in the Hebrew Bible. Rather, it is the sages who introduce us to this late summer month in somber fashion, suggesting that, “When we enter Av, our joy is diminished (BT Taanit 29A),” due to the observance of Tisha B’Av – the ninth Day of Av – which commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem.Traditional Jews began observing mourning practices on the 17th of Tammuz (11 days ago) to honor the destruction of Jerusalem’s defensive fortifications by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. These practices include refraining from wedding parties, music, and haircuts. Today, Jews traditionally add the additional mourning proscriptions of avoiding new construction or home [...]