The Penultimate Parasha

Parshat Ha'azinu
Deuteronomy 32:1-52

A poem was introduced in the last line of the previous portion and is recited by Moses at the start of Ha'azinu.  Moses calls upon heaven and earth to witness his words.

Moses begins by praising God and describing the special care God has given Israel.  In response, the people have spurned God and God's laws.  Because of Israel's unfaithfulness, they will suffer God's wrath.  Ultimately, God will show mercy to the Israelites and deliver them from their enemies.

Moses tells the people to take the warning he has recited very seriously.  Israel's observance of God's laws is no trifling matter.  These laws are the essence of their lives.

The portion closest with God directing Moses to ascend Mount Debo and to look at the land promised to the Israelites.  Moses is told that he will die on the mountain.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

1. Do you think using poetry would be an effective way to get a message to a large group of people?  Why or why not?  Why do you think the Torah uses poems for important announcements?
2. Even though we are still in the fall holidays, the rabbis took some of the text in Deuteronomy 32:7 to serve as a basis for us being obligated to light the Chanukah candles.  Which Jewish obligations do you carry out in your family?  What observances do you hope future generations will maintain?
3. Another connection to Chanukah is that God is called HaTzur, the Rock, six times in this portion.  What symbolism do you see in calling God HaTzur, the Rock?