The reason I believe that it is important to work out the
themes specifically for this sefer is because while the rest of the Torah was
dictated by God, Sefer Devarim was said by Moshe himself. This was his final address,
his last chance to give over to Bnei Yisrael before he died, he could have
spoken about anything at this point in time. For this reason, and since he was
human and would automatically give more importance to certain points (which God
is able to avoid), it makes sense that he would pay special attention to
certain ideas over others. The point of this list is to try and discover what
the main points are in each parshah and what Moshe’s was trying to give over to Bnei Yisrael at the end of his life.
Parshas Devarim- Moshe shows how the Meraglim (spies)
were responsible for all the problems (and punishments) which took place in the
desert. In general, sin is responsible for all problems in history and this sin
accounted for some of the biggest ones including being one of the reasons for
the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple).
Parshas Va’eschanan- Teaches us love of Hashem and
the importance of doing mitzvos.
Parshas Eikev- Start to do mitzvos and they will
eventually be done out of love of Hashem (which is the main point of doing
mitzvos). The parshah revolves around Eretz Yisrael which that is the ultimate
reward for doing mitzvos. It also talks about that even after we sin, we must
continue to do mitzvos (see Rashi Devarim 11:18) in order that we can continue
to receive reward which will result in us returning to Eretz Yisrael. The whole
idea is a circle.
Parshas Re’eh- Teaches us, through the mitzvos
mentioned in the parshah, to stay separate from the goyim. Some of the mitzvos
are obvious, i.e. eat kosher, don’t serve Avoda Zara. But some are more subtle,
no bamot (personal alters), do not add on to the mitzvos, etc.
Parshas Shoftim- talks about all different types of
leaders and what challenges they will face. Murder, false witnesses, rampant Avoda
Zara, etc. It also talks about respect the nation should show to them, judges
are called “tzedek”, they are righteous people and should be pursued (Devarim
16:20). It says in Sefer Shmuel that the king can do what he wants. The parshah
also mentions the gifts that are given the Kohanim from every korban, and that
every navi will equal to moshe (even though we know it is impossible for anyone
to reach Moshe’s level). But at the end of the day, in my opinion, the parshah
shows how hard it will be to be a leader of Bnei Yisrael.
Parshas Ki Teitzei- Moshe gives over the halachos of
everyday occurrences (though not necessarily common ones,) that will take place
over history. Rashi gives explanations why each set of halachos is written
following each other in the pesukim.
Parshas Ki Tavoh- Starts off with mitzvah of
Bikkurim, then flows into Bnei Yisrael accepting the yoke of Torah upon
themselves (a second time) through the curses. A huge emphasis is placed on Eretz Yisrael
throughout the parshah, as it constantly mentions in the pesukim “the land
which God gave to your forefathers” or “to you”.
Parshas Nitzavim- God will continually love you and
support you (even with the aveiros [sins] that you do). Moshe teaches the
nation the concept of Teshuvah (as a theoretical idea which they will use in
the future).
Parshas Vayeilech- Moshe’s speech is over. He goes
around Bnei Yisrael and changes Teshuvah from a theoretical concept to a
practical one by teaching them why, when, and how they should do it). This
parshah really shows us how much we will miss Moshe once he is gone.
Parshas Haazinu- Moshe sings the warning to Bnei
Yisrael found at the end of last week’s parshah (31:28-30). Haazinu is the
parshiyos from Ki Tavoh through Vayeilech in song form. That’s why it mentions
the greatness of Hashem, the history of Bnei Yisrael, the greatness of Eretz
Yisrael, the sin of Avoda Zara, and returning to Hashem (Teshuvah). The reason
it’s written like this is because there are some things which are expressed
better through song. So even though the same concepts are being discussed, they
are said differently since the song brings out a deeper element of them.
Parshas Vezos Habracha- Moshe blesses the nation,
first each shevet individually, then the nation as a whole. The individual
brachos given to each shevet were similar to the brachos given by Yaakov to
each one of his sons before he died in Parshas Vayechi. The brachah given to
the nation starts in Perek 33 Pasuk 25 and is a blessing for Hashem’s continued
protection and that Eretz Yisrael should produce for Bnei Yisrael forever. The
last twelve pesukim deal with Moshe’s death, burial, and mourning period.
Have a great Shabbos and Chag Sameach!
To learn more about the Nation's Wisdom project, click here.
AIMeM
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