History, Memory, and the Land

Parshat D'varim
Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22

Synopsis
The Israelites now stand ready to enter Canaan. Moses begins to recount the events of Israel's journey from Horeb (Sinai) to the Promised Land. He also discusses the difficulty he had in governing the people. They had grown too numerous for him to administrate, necessitating the creation of a system of tribal chiefs. These chiefs were to function as judges, but if a matter was too difficult for them, Moses would intervene.

Moses continues describing the Israelites' behavior as they approach Canaan. He relates how he instructed them to take possession of the Land. The people insisted that spies be sent ahead to see what the land and people were like. The report, while favorable about the Land itself, still dismayed the people and they lost faith in God. God heard their complaint and swore that no one of that generation would live to enter the Promised Land. God was angry at Moses also and decreed that Moses, too, would not enter Canaan. Of that generation, only Caleb, who had given an encouraging report of the Land, and Joshua, who was to be the next leader, will live to enter Canaan.

Ashamed because of their attitude, the Israelites decided to go up and take the Land. Warned that God was not with them, they went ahead anyway and suffered a cruel defeat at the hands of the Amorites.

Moses continues the retelling of the journeys of the Israelites and begins summarizing the 40 years of wandering. The narrative continues with the Israelites preparing once again to enter the Promised Land. This time they successfully engage in battle with Sihon, King of the Amorites, and Og, King of Bashan. The lands east of the Jordan which the Israelites captured were divided between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

The portion closes with Moses naming Joshua as his successor.
Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• D'varim, meaning "words" or "discourse," is the Hebrew name for the fifth book of the Bible and the name of the very first portion found within. Even in this first portion, there is a good amount of speaking, with Moses recounting everything that happened up until that point. Why do you think there is this repetition? What purpose does it serve?
• During this parsha, Moses helps the Israelites remember their history by repeating much of what had happened up until that point in time - why is it important to remember history? Can you think of any times during the year where we spend time remembering an event in our Jewish history? (Hint: think holidays!)
• Part of Moses' retelling of past events includes the beginnings of a system of tribal chiefs who helped Moses in judging disputes. Do you think it would be easy or difficult to be a judge? What characteristics would make someone an ideal judge?

Please enjoy a brief look at this week's portion from g-dcast.com: