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Home -> Ha'azinu -> 5754

Sruly Schnair
In 5754, Ha'azinu

“For Hashem’s portion is His people, Yaakov his measured inheritance.” (32:9)

Klal Yisrael became a nation while still in the desert — without a land to live in. Hashem did not permit His people to grow as a nation under the influence of the land of Egypt and its inhabitants. “For Hashem’s portion is His people.” This people was to be and remain “the people of Hashem.” Horav S.R.  Hirsch z.l.  explains that common nations are linked to the soil of their land in the same manner that Am Yisrael is linked to Hashem.  Other nations view their land as the foundation of their national existence.  It serves as the home…

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Sruly Schnair
In 5754, Ha'azinu

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of each generation.” (32:7)

The concept of history encompasses the perception that all events in the human experience are part of one long continuum.  The Chumash begins with the story of Brias Ha’olam, creation, since that is the “genesis” of all historical events. Hashem is the G-d of creation and the G-d of history.  He is the moral power whose Divine action guides world events. The Jewish “historian” sees Hashem’s Hand reflected in every aspect of history.  He sees the continuous revelation of Hashem’s plan spanning the abyss of time.  Everything has meaning.  No right goes unrewarded, and no wrong goes without its due…

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Sruly Schnair
In 5754, Ha'azinu

“Is corruption His, no; His children’s is the blemish… Is it to Hashem that you do this… Is He not your father your master?” (32:5,6)

The commentators explain the text of the pasuk in the following manner. Although an individual may defer to his own spiritual shortcomings, he, nonetheless, desires that his children proceed in the proper path.  Regrettably, the concept of “do as I say, not as I do” has almost become a way of life for some people. Parents must be aware that they serve as the primary role models for their children.  When these parents are questioned regarding their hypocritical behavior, their response is, “We personally have no proclivity to be observant, but we want our children to be G- d fearing…

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Sruly Schnair
In 5754, Ha'azinu

“May my teaching drop like rain, may my utterance flow like the dew.” (32:2)

Water is used as a metaphor to describe Torah. Just as every person must have water in order to be sustained, Torah sustains Klal Yisrael. Without Torah, there is no substance to Klal Yisrael.  Horav Mordechai Ilan z.l. suggests the following analogy between water and Torah. Human beings have had no input to the creation of water. It has the same essence and makeup that existed at the dawn of creation. It has maintained its unaltered state throughout time. In contrast, the earth has undergone changes as a result of mans’ participation in its development. The Torah has similarly maintained…

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Sruly Schnair
In 5754, Ha'azinu

“Give ear O Heavens and I shall speak, and may the earth hear the words of my mouth.” (32:1)

These words, which begin Shiras Ha’azinu, present the essence of the song of Ha’azinu — as well as the entire Torah, which is compared to a song. What is a song? Horav Gedaliah Shorr z.l.  explains that a song suggests something which is completely synchronized, as a song must be the essence of harmony. He notes that in a song, all of the notes of the score of the song, all of the instruments of the orchestra, and all of the voices in the choir join together to create a perfect harmonious blend. Likewise, so do all of the elements…

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