Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 3 Tishri, 5785
Parsha Ha’Azinu– “Listen”: (Deuteronomy 32:1 – 52)
Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Portions: Deuteronomy 32:29 – 32:52

Shabbat Shalom! We are in the third rest day of the new year of 5785! I hope we are all enjoying this beginning rest.  If we are starting to feel a little “blah” it’s ok. IT’s designed to be restful. For those of us who want to take action, it can be tough to slow down and just be in the rest times. Can we be mindful and just be in it?

We have a lot to catch up on as we close this week’s Parsha. Tomorrow, we go into the final Parsha, but we will read it twice over, because Yom  Kippur is on Shabbat. So we will finish it up right as Simchat Torah hits and we will “begin again” in Genesis.

So we are in the final parts of the song of Hazinu – which is designed to remind us of where we came from to avoid getting stuck in the cultures of those around us.  Let’s go!

29If they were wise, they would understand this; they would reflect upon their fate.

30How can one [person] pursue a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their [Mighty] Rock has sold them out, and the Lord has given them over?

31For their rock is not like our [Mighty] Rock. Nevertheless, our enemies sit in judgment.

32For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the field of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of rosh, and they have bitter clusters.

33Their wine is the bitterness of serpents, and the bitterness of the ruthless cobras.

So this is the part of the song where Hashem was debating over whether to wipe out the Jewish people for going their own way. He recognizes the IMPACT this would have on Israel’s enemies. Their reality would be VERY different than Hashem’s reality.

I think it is interesting here. Hashem is God. He shouldn’t care about the IMPACT of what He does – and yet? He accepts the reality for what it is. If He wipes out the children of Israel? Their enemies will think they are the one’s who “won.”

Let’s keep going:

34Is it not stored up with Me, sealed up in My treasuries?

35Vengeance is poised with Me, and it will pay at the time their foot stumbles. For the appointed day of their reckoning is near, and what is destined for them hastens.

36When the Lord will judge His people, and will reconsider His servants, when He sees that the power is increasing, and none is controlled or strengthened.

37Then He will say, “Where is their deity, the rock in which they trusted,

38who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their libations? Let them arise and help you! Let them be your shelter!

So basically, Hashem recognizes, instead of wiping out the Jews, He can just allow things to unfold. The Jews will realize they can’t do this without Hashem.

39See now that it is I! I am the One, and there is no god like Me! I cause death and grant life. I strike, but I heal, and no one can rescue from My Hand!

40For I raise up My hand to heaven, and say, ‘As I live forever.’

41When I sharpen the blade of My sword, and My hand grasps judgment, I will bring vengeance upon My adversaries and repay those who hate Me.

42I will intoxicate My arrows with blood, and My sword will consume flesh, from the blood of the slain and the captives, from the first breach of the enemy.’

And Hashem will STILL navigate Israel’s enemies. Because we are HIS people. It’s a good reminder. We will sing this song, and when things get dark and desperate? We can remember Hashem’s faithfulness.

43Sing out praise, O you nations, for His people! For He will avenge the blood of His servants, inflict revenge upon His adversaries, and appease His land [and] His people.

So we are called to remember. When Hashem saves us, we should respect that. And if we go our own way, at some point we will repeat a pattern, become desperate, call out, and Hashem will save us. Time and time again.

That should bring us safety. Comfort. This is the song.

Now we turn BACK to Moses:

44And Moses came and spoke all the words of this song into the ears of the people he and Hoshea the son of Nun.

45And Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel.

46And he said to them, “Set your hearts to all of the words which I bear witness for you this day, so that you may command your children to observe to do all the words of this Torah.

47For it is not an empty thing for you, for it is your life, and through this thing, you will lengthen your days upon the land to which you are crossing over the Jordan, to possess it.”

Moses’ final words are: put our hearts on Moses’ words. And teach them to your kids. This is not an empty promise. It is our life. We will lengthen our lives.

48And the Lord spoke to Moses on that very day, saying,

Hashem turns to Moses at this point…

49Go up this Mount Avarim [to] Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is facing Jericho, and see the Land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel as a possession,

50And die on the mountain upon which you are climbing and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people.

It’s time to go, Moses. But WHY?????

51Because you betrayed Me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Merivath Kadesh, [in] the desert of Zin, [and] because you did not sanctify Me in the midst of the children of Israel.

52For from afar, you will see the land, but you will not come there, to the land I am giving the children of Israel.

Because Moses did what was NOT commanded him. And because of that, Hashem is going to show Moses the fruits of his legacy, but Moses will not get to live that legacy.

As I reflect on the idea of a legacy. How much do we desire to LIVE our own legacy? And how much more do we learn we really can’t live our own legacy. We can only live the legacy of those who have come before us.  When our time is finished, and our purpose is complete, OTHERS will live our legacy. That is the beauty of Torah.

Leaving a legacy.

And? Spoiler alert? These Torah thoughts I have been writing over the past three years and posting? They are my legacy. For my children mostly. To see my thoughts on Judaism, the Torah and Hashem.

I may never see the results of the legacy of these Torah thoughts – but I know they will live on. In the hearts of my kids.

This is the work. This is the rest. Resting in our legacy.

These are my thoughts. What are yours?

Here’s my thoughts from two years ago:

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 11 Tishri 5783

Good morning! I hope your fast we a meaningful one! It was for me! Today we get back to this important song “Ha’Azinu!”

Remember this song has a purpose – when we enter freedom and liberation, this song is to equip us not to forget what Hashem has done for us! It’s to remind us and ground us in our freedom and liberation.

Today we have two portions to cover; yesterday and todays.

We left off in the song with Jeshurun forgetting about Hashem.

We open the song today with Hashem becoming angry, provoked by His sons and daughters.

Because of His anger (remember it’s anger because we forgot Hashem’s kindness and blessings) there are going to be calamities that come upon us. But Hashem is kind of in a pickle. and it’s interesting this song addresses it.

All of this calamity, including allowing armies to bereave the children of Israel creates quite the conundrum.

Because if Hashem brings this upon Israel, the invading armies aren’t going to attribute it to Hashem’s power. And in fact will be able to claim Hashem has no power.

The outside armies wouldn’t understand and the wrong lesson would be learned. if they were wise, the outside armies would reflect on Israel’s demise and understand there is no way they could have won without their God (Hashem) “selling them out.”

The song tells us the following and it should bring comfort:

Deuteronomy 32:36:

When God will judge His people (and bring these sufferings upon them), He will (then) change His mind about His servants; when He sees that the power (of the enemy) is increasing, and no one (among Israel has a source of) salvation or help.

32:37: Then He will say: Where is their deity (that they worshiped), the rock in which they trusted,

32:38: which ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their libations? Let them stand up and help you! Let them be your shelter!

God basically is going to bring us back to Egypt. To see we are in a place where no one we’ve trusted can help us. But that’s not the end of the story. Hashem finally gives us hope:

32:39: See now that it is Me! I am the One! There is no god (to stand against) Me. I cause death and I bring to life. I injure and I heal. And no one can rescue from My hand (those who sin against Me)!

Remember, the ONLY reason we are in this mess is because we took our freedom and liberation and turned away from Hashem and turned to idols and deities. This is Hashem’s response. He is going to make life tough for us; so we have no alternative but to come back to the one who freed us from Egypt.

We have the power to avoid all of this by just remembering Hashem’s faithfulness – by putting Him on the throne of our lives. Letting Him be the king.

It’s our choice. it’s our freedom. But Hashem loves us enough – He will discipline us. If we choose to walk away, He let’s us. And we see the fruitless mess of that pursuit.

That is the message. And it’s an interesting message in the middle of Yom Kippur

What are your thoughts?

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for Tishri 12, 5783

As we approach the Jewish Holy Days of Sukkot (the feast of Tabernacles) we are reminded of Hashem’s provision for us. Todays portion I think will move us forward and propel us like rockets into the universe! Let’s dig in!

Deuteronomy 32:40:  For (when the Jewish people repent, I will turn My anger upon the nations!) I (will) raise up My hand to (Myself in) heaven, and say: Just as I live forever,

Listen to this line again. When we repent. Hashem will turn his anger towards the nations who persecute us. Our repentance not only brings internal healing; our higher selves will turn externally and start to deal with those who are rising against us. It all starts within though. I think this makes logical sense. If we turn inwards and navigate what is inside. Hashem is freed to move forward – not that he is bound; but he cares for us.

Think about this as a parent. When our child is hurt by someone; we have a choice to make. Do we work on the healing within first? Or do we seek external revenge on behalf of the child? The work as a parent is helping the child within. A hug. Validation. Internal healing. Strength. Courage. Self-compassion. Self-love. Once that is taken care of THEN we deal with the external issues. If we jump right to trying to fix the external issue? We miss the opportunity for healing. I believe this is what Hashem wants for us if we are to have true liberation and freedom. We must repent and heal within before the external is dealt with. That a powerful message.

I encourage you to reread that message. We have to be healed internally FIRST so Hashem can be freed to turn his anger on those who cause hurt and harm. And; before we jump to God being vengeful. Let’s remember what his anger on us brings; healing and repentance. That’s the goal. So, this isn’t a message of retribution- it’s a message that Hashem will turn his anger on the nations – and hopefully they turn to Hashem and find healing within. But if not, things won’t go well.

Let’s keep going.

32:41: (I swear that) when i sharpen the blade of My sword, and My hand grasps judgment (to punish the enemies of Israel), I will bring vengeance upon (them, for they are) My enemies (too). I will repay those who hate Me.

32:42: I will make My arrows drunk with (enemy) blood, and My sword will consume (their) flesh, on account of the blood of the slain (of Israel) and the captives (seized), from (even) the first attacks of the enemy.

32:43:  (At that time) the nations will sing praises for His people! When (they see how) He will avenge the blood of His servants (that they spilled), inflict revenge upon His enemies (for the robberies and losses they caused), and appease His land (and) His people (for their distress).

Hashem turns to the nations – and he brings vengeance. But with a purpose. The nations will sing praises for His people. His vengeance isn’t vengeance as we understand it. It’s vengeance that leads to healing. We cannot project the idea of revenge with vengeance. I don’t know about you, but In my head there isn’t much of a distinction between vengeance and revenge. But I think it comes down to purpose. Hashem doesn’t see revenge on our behalf. He seeks vengeance – for the purpose of healing and praise. It’s discipline. It’s love. That’s something I’m chewing on.

Hashem is fierce. His love is fierce for us. His love is fierce for our enemies. That could be interpreted as violent. How do we distinguish between fierce and violent? I don’t have good answers on that; would love your thoughts. Hashem’s love is safe; and it feels dangerous because it risks us stepping outside our comfort zone? How do we distinguish between risk and danger? Stepping outside our comfort zone could be perceived as unsafe, or it could be perceived as dangerous. But encouraging Natana to get on a horse on Saturday (see my weekend post for more information) required her to embrace the danger in her head. But she had to feel safe enough with me as her dad to do it. And the result was amazing. She got off the horse thrilled at what she accomplished. It was a dangerous situation that was just perception. The reality is she was safe the entire time.

So the perception of danger is just that. A perception. but how do we distinguish between them? again I’m curious as to your thoughts!

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 13 Tishri, 5783

Shabbat Shalom! We are getting so close to the end of the Torah cycle! I am super excited to bring this home with you all!

We have another major Jewish Holiday coming up Sunday evening at Sundown. The eight day Holy day Sukkot begins; and as Jews we dwell in Temporary booths – eating, praying and some will even sleep there for the week.

Sukkot is a time of joy. It’s the harvest. It’s when all of the spiritual work we’ve done over the past year comes to a head and we can just enjoy the presence of Hashem in the Sukkah (booth). The end of Sukkot is another interesting Holy Day; Shmeni Atzeret (eighth day of assembly) and Simchat Torah. In Israel this all happens on one day; but outside of Israel it is seperated into two. The first day (Shmeni Atzeret which starts at sundown next Sunday, October 16) is one last day in the sukkah. We put aside a lot of the physical pieces (to just spend one more day with Hashem in the sukkah). Shmeni Atzeret is really unique in that it is BOTH a part of Sukkot AND it’s own Holy Day.

Then the following day (sundown on Monday, October 17, 2022) we celebrate Simchat Torah. This is the MOST joyous day as we read the final portion of the Torah, then scroll back the Torah to Genesis, and read the first passage of the Torah. It’s a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. That we aren’t on a linear path here. We can scroll upwards each year towards heaven, or scroll downwards where we need Heaven more.

Super exciting, but let’s dig into our portion today; we finish out this amazing song Hashem has given us to help us in our liberation and freedom so we don’t forget!

Todays portion tells us, the song is now over. We’ve been given everything we need:

Deuteronomy 32:44 “Moses came and spoke all the words of this song into the ears of the people, he and Hosea son of Nun”

They had been given everything. And this is Moses final words to us:

32:45: When Moses finished speaking all these words to all of Israel,

32:46: he said to them, “Turn your hearts to all of the words which I am bearing witness for you today, so that you will command your children to be careful to observe all the words of this Torah,

32:47: for it is not an empty thing for you (for which you will not be rewarded). Rather, it is your life! Through this thing, you will lengthen your days upon the land of which you are crossing over the Jordan, to take possession.”

When we struggle, when we struggle to see our freedom and liberation, Moses is telling us; turn our hearts to the words Moses has spoken. The Torah speaks words of LIFE for us. It is not death. It is not a weight we need to carry with us to our detriment. The Torah is life.

The portion closes with Moses leaving. Now. You can imagine the people not wanting the let him leave. How tough would it have been to just let Moses walk away? And yet, that is what Hashem asked him to do;

32:48 God spoke to Moses on that very day, saying

32:49 “Climb up the Abarite mountains here, (at) Mount Nebo- which is in the land of Moab that is facing Jericho-and see the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Isras as a possession.”

Let’s stop for a minute. Rabbi Schneerson has some interesting thoughts on this:

“The Jewish people were saying. “We swear, that if we notice Moses is going to die, we will not let him! He is the man who brought us out of Egypt! He split the Reed Sea for us! He brought the manna down for us! He made flocks of quails fly over to us! He brought up the well for us! And he gave us the Torah! We will not let him die” But God said, “I will take him in broad daylight.” (Rashi).

Life and death are in the hands of God and cannot be decided by man. How could the Jewish people have possibly “not let” Moses die?

The Jewish people wished to avert Moses’ death by preventing him from relocating to another place, namely, to Mount Nebo. God had said “Climb up the Abarite mountains here, (at) Moun Nebo… Then die on the mountain” (v. 49-50), indicating that Moses’ death was to be the result of a Divine decree (not from natural causes), after ascending the mountain. So the people figured: if Moses does not “climb up Mount Nebo,” then the decree will not take effect, and he will not die.

However, this leaves us with another question: How could a righteous generation attempt to defy God’s will and prevent Moses from dying!

Divine decree?

If a person helps you, there is a Torah obligation not to be ungrateful to that person. Moses had helped the Jewish people in so many ways:

“He is the man who brought us out of Egypt! He split the Reed Sea for us! He brought the manna down for us! He made flocks of quails fly over to us! He brought up the well for us! And he gave us the Torah!” So when Moses faced a decree of death, the people were obliged to help him, by restraining him from going on the mountain where the decree was to be enacted.

There were actually two conflicting obligations here: Moses was obligated to ascend the mountain, but the people were obligated to ensure that Moses did not ascend the mountain!

As far as the people were concerned, they had one single obligation resting upon them which they were required to carry out: to save Moses. And the fact that God had put it within the control of the Jewish people to nullify the decree was decree was taken as a hint by them from God that they should do everything in their power to keep Moses alive. (End quote)

Interesting. Conflicting obligations. And it feels like someone “has to lose.” And yet we can learn from this, we can’t worry about someone ELSE’s obligations to Hashem. We need to focus on our own and trust Hashem.

Ok. Let’s close this out.

32:50 Then die on the mountain upon which you are climbing and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on the double mountain and was gathered to his people.

32:51: For, in the presence of the children of Israel, you (caused people to) betray Me at the waters of Meribath-kadesh, in the desert of Zin, for you did not (allow) My (name) to be sanctified in the presence of the children of Israel.

32:52 While you will see the land from afar, you will not come there, to the land I am giving to the children of Israel.”

Moses couldn’t go with the people. And we need to consider a major reason why. In freedom and liberation, those who help get us there (mentors, friends, etc) can’t necessarily go with us; because we may be tempted to give them the credit instead of Hashem, or even our own choices. We achieve liberation and freedom based on our personal relationship with Hashem, not because of something external to us. It’s a great message as we come to the final Parsha in the Torah!

What are your thoughts?

As always on Shabbat, Haftorah thoughts will be posted in the comments below

Haftorah thoughts:

Todays Haftorah comes from 2 Samuel 22:1-51

It is connected to our Parsha Ha’Azinu because it’s a song. It’s the Song of David when he was saved.

It starts out with David singing – “God is my Rock and my Fortress, who saves me.” And “When I call out God’s praises I am saved from my enemies.”

Let’s stop there for a minute. That’s a powerful thought. The idea of calling out God’s praises and saving us from our enemies? That’s an interesting connection to reflect on – especially as we consider freedom and liberation.

David continues to sing about how when he felt backed into a corner; when he was desperate and alone, he called to Hashem. And Hashem hears his voice from His temple.

We can take comfort – Hashem hears us. We often question this because things don’t work the way we think they should. We focus on what we don’t have. We focus on the absence. But we have to trust the abundance instead. We have what we need. To make it in each moment.

David describes the power of Hashem. Hashem almost comes across as dangerous. But David sings comfort (in one of my favorite passages in Psalms that is quoted here in this Haftorah)

(2 Samuel 22:17-20):

He sent His salvation from on high and took me. He drew me from deep waters. He saved me from my powerful enemy, from those who hated me, when they were stronger than me. They took advantage of me by attacking me on the day of my calamity, but God was a support for me. He brought me out to a wide place. He delivered me from the straits, because He wants me.”

Hashem wants me. He desires us. Think about that. He loves us.

David writes “I was wholehearted with Him, and I guarded myself from sin.”

It’s a good question to reflect on. Are we wholehearted with Hashem? Or do we hold our heart back? Out of fear?

This is a formula for us to draw power from within. Hashem is the battery within us that lights our path. He gives us the internal fortitude to persevere.

David writes about how “He makes my legs straight” and “He teaches my hands to fight.” This battle with others is really an internal receiving of Hashem’s presence inside. It starts within us. With a whole heart.

David attributes everything he has to Hashem. That is the way to live. We do nothing on our own. Without Him. And yet it is all on our own; that internal battle within us- internal divinity and harmony. That is our strength and power!

The bottom line? We must attribute our power to the source of our power. Hashem.

What are your thoughts?