Torah Notes – August 2011
Torah Notes
Here is just a taste of the Torah you can look forward to in the month ahead. For the real thing, be sure to join us each Shabbat morning at 9 am for a lively discussion of the meaning and implications of the weekly portion. All are welcome. No previous experience required.
August 6 Devarim Deuteronomy 1:1-2:1
This first parasha in the last book of the Torah begins with a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Land of Israel. He reminds them of their communal history and how they are about to take possession of the land promised to their ancestors. Moses details the highlights of their journey from Mt. Sinai. He recounts the debacle following the report of the spies sent to scout out the land and the years of wandering that resulted. Only Joshua and Caleb from the “old generation” are allowed to enter the Promised Land. Then Moses tells of their travels, culminating with their victorious battles with Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan.
August 13 Va’etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23-5:18 Moses stands atop Mt. Pisgah on the eastern side of the Jordan and is told by God to look in all of the directions to view the land he will not enter. Moses appeals to the people not to forget what they have experienced. Moses recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments followed by the Shema. Once again the people are warned not to forget and to use the lesson of the Exodus as a way of remembering.
August 20 Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12-9:3 Ekev begins with the blessings which come from following the commandments and the consequences of noncompliance. Moses reminds people not to arrogantly assume after they are comfortably settled in their new land that it was their own power that achieved these results. It was God who gave them victory. The parasha concludes with what is now the second paragraph of the Shema.
August 27 Re’eh Deuteronomy 11:26-12:28
This parasha continues Moses’ discourse to the Israelites. He warns that they face a choice between a life of blessings or a life of curses, and urges them to observe God’s commandments. He tells them to only worship at places designated by God and to destroy all idolatrous altars. Rules about sacrifices, tithes, care for the Levites, and regulations for slaughtering and eating meat are addressed. Moses commands them not to disfigure themselves nor eat things that are harmful. Moses defines the Sabbatical year as a time to cancel debts and extending care to the needy. He concludes with a review of the three Pilgrimage Festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
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