5758

So now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Bnei Yisrael, place it into their mouth. (31:19)

The commentaries discuss to which song Moshe was referring. The question is whether Chazal consider the entire Torah to be a song, or whether the reference is to a specific part. Why is the Torah called a song? Simply put, the Torah represents harmony, a unity of perfection in which every phrase, every verse, every mitzvah is perfect. The Torah is not vulnerable to reform or change. Because it is a Divine composition, it is perfect in every sense. Just as a musical score loses its flavor if one makes a single variation in the notes or rhythm, so, too,…

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Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayeilech

It will say on that day, “Is it not because my G-d is not in my midst that these evils have come upon me?” (31:17)

The Sfas Emes cites Horav Bunim M’Pechischa, who states that the actual idea that one says or even thinks that “Ein Elokai b’kirbi,” “My G-d is not in my midst,” constitutes a grave sin which may be the source of his troubles. How does one have “yiush,” how does one despair? Every Jew is enjoined to believe whole-heartedly that Hashem is with him at all times, through all circumstances, under all conditions. Hashem does not, and will not ever, forsake us. We need to be able to say the same regarding our relationship with Him. The Kotzker Rov was once…

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Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayeilech

Hashem said to Moshe, Behold you will lie with your forefathers. (31:16)

The word “hin’cha” – “behold you will“, is a compound expression composed of the word “hein,” “behold”, and the suffix denoting “you.” The Midrash tells us that Moshe was unhappy when Hashem introduced his imminent death using the phrase “Hein karvu yamecha lamus, ” “Behold, your days are drawing near.” He asked Hashem how He could have decreed his death with the same word that he had used to glorify the Almighty, declaring, “Hein l’Hashem Elokecha Hashamayim u’Shmei ha’Shamayim,” “Behold to Hashem your G-d are the Heavens and the highest Heaven” (Devarim,10:14). Hashem responded with the word, “hin’cha” stating that…

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Moshe Marcovich In 5758, Vayeilech

At the end of each seven years, after the time of the Shemittah year, on the festival of Sukkos…in the place that He shall choose, read this Torah in front of all Yisrael, in their ears (so that they may hear it). Gather the nation… so that they may learn and fear Hashem your G-d. (31:10,11)

The mitzvah of Hakhel, communal gathering, was required every seven years. The impressiveness of this mitzvah is underscored by the fact that every Jew, regardless of age, rank or position, assembled in the courtyard of the Bais Hamikdash on the second day of Succos, in the first year after the previous Shemittah cycle had concluded, to listen as the Melech Yisrael, Jewish king, read aloud special sections of the Torah. The Shem M’Shmuel observes two distinctions concerning this mitzvah. First, the king himself reads from the Torah. Second, the gathering is held during the year following Shemittah. It is well…

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Moshe Marcovich In Vayishlach, 5758, Vayeilech

I can no longer go out and come in, for Hashem has said to me, “You shall not cross this Yarden.” (31:1)

Considering Moshe Rabbeinu’s advanced age, one would expect that his inability to execute the demands of his office physically would impede him from fulfilling his leadership role. But Moshe, however, asserted that “Hashem has said to me, You shall not cross this Yarden.” According to human nature, one undertakes to perform an endeavor, and “afterwards” he waits to see if Hashem is pleased with his plans. This approach is confirmed by the actions of tzaddikim who are mishtadel, endeavor, to do they can, rather than to wait passively for Divine intervention to solve every problem. Yaakov Avinu indicated to his…

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YEARS

So now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Bnei Yisrael, place it into their mouth. (31:19)

It will say on that day, “Is it not because my G-d is not in my midst that these evils have come upon me?” (31:17)

Hashem said to Moshe, Behold you will lie with your forefathers. (31:16)

At the end of each seven years, after the time of the Shemittah year, on the festival of Sukkos…in the place that He shall choose, read this Torah in front of all Yisrael, in their ears (so that they may hear it). Gather the nation… so that they may learn and fear Hashem your G-d. (31:10,11)

I can no longer go out and come in, for Hashem has said to me, “You shall not cross this Yarden.” (31:1)

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