The Most Empowering Words (Devarim 08/10/24)

The Most Empowering Words

“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel…” (Deuteronomy 1:1)

This Shabbat, we embarked on the book of Deuteronomy (Devarim), the last of the five books of the Torah. It’s the fortieth year in the desert, and the Jewish people are securely settled on the eastern side of the Jordan, paying careful attention to Moses’ farewell words.

What’s noticeably different with this book is how it begins: “These are the words that Moses spoke.” Since we’ve met him, Moses’ teachings have come directly from God: “And God spoke to Moses, saying…” Yet, here we begin with his own words.

There’s a problem, though. The whole Torah is traditionally understood as God’s direct communication; Moses transcribed what he received from God. Therefore, every word is holy, pure, and consequential. Deuteronomy contains numerous new homilies and mitzvot; since they are just Moses’ words, would they have less significance?

The rabbis reconcile the problem by saying that, indeed, the book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ words, but God loved them so much that the Holy One decided to incorporate them into the Torah as well: “Well said, Moses, write those down for Me!” This resolution has major implications for all of us.

For thirty-nine years, Moses taught the Children of Israel the exact word of God: “Moses brought their case before G-d. And God said to Moses…”

Now, However, Moses is the initiator of Torah:

וְזֹ֖את הַתּוֹרָ֑ה אֲשֶׁר־שָׂ֣ם מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

“This is the teaching that Moses set before the Israelites.”

Moses, a human being, can now be a creator of Torah. For thirty-nine years, Moses was a student, and he learned from God how to lead the Jewish people. Now, in the fortieth year, God gave Moses the reigns. “You’ve learned enough; now let your own teachings spring forth.”

The rabbis, though, never felt that this privilege was exclusive to Moses. Any student who learns carefully and thoroughly and with pure intentions can become a creator of Torah. Modern Judaism is founded upon this premise.

Today, Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, marks a demarcation point in Jewish history.

On this day in 70 C.E., the Romans destroyed our Temple. Up until this point, Judaism was a Temple-based, offering-centered religion. To survive, we were forced to transform. Taking the cue from Moses, a group of sages rooted in Biblical interpretation arose to create a new Judaism, one based upon prayer, good deeds, and learning. They believed that their words and interpretations counted as Torah as well. And as times changed and challenges arose, new scholars would arise who would make the Torah meet the needs of the day.

“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel…” are empowering. They imply that the Torah can transform and progress, and each one of us can be part of that process.

Wishing you a meaningful Tisha B’Av,

R’ Neil