Rabbi Michael Laitner
If you have comments please feel free to e-mail Rabbi Laitner at: michael@southhampstead.org

Parshat Devarim

"These are the words that Moses spoke to all of Israel, on the eastern side of the Jordan, in the wilderness, regarding the Arava, opposite the Sea of Reeds, between Paran and Tofel, and Lavan, and Chatzeirot and Di Zahav." (Devarim 1,1)

The Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) occurs at the end of Moses' life. Where are the places listed? As the commentator Rashi (1040-1105) points out, some of the places mentioned here are not found in the Torah! Furthermore, the "Arava" is part of the Land of Israel, while the Children of Israel were waiting to the east of the River Jordan, preparing to enter the Land!

The Aramaic "Targum Onkelos" (35-120 CE) is the earliest translation of the Torah. It provides some clues, which are also presented by Rashi. Rather than simply translating the words, as is his wont, Onkelos describes how place mentioned is a metaphor for places where the Jews sinned over the previous 40 years. The "words" are words of rebuke which Moses feels necessary to offer at this stage in Jewish history, urging the people to avoid these mistakes in the Land of Israel. This explanation also links to the other name for Devarim, Mishneh Torah, which means both a review of previous teachings and presentation of new Mitzvot. 

The transition from wondering people in the wilderness to a people moving into their own land and society is immense. Even in recent times, changing geo-politics have demonstrated that this remains a difficult proposition. On the eve of the fast of Tisha B'Av, when we lament the destruction of both Jewish spiritual and temporal centres in the Land of Israel, this is a propitious message for the Jewish people. We pray that the State of Israel is a harbinger of the rebuilding of the Temple.