This week’s Torah portion is the first one in the Book of Deuteronomy, Devarim. That is also the Hebrew name of the book of Deuteronomy, meaning “words” or “things.” In this particular case, it is best translated “words.” The first verse in the parashah is:
These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan.—Through the wilderness, in the Aravah near Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Di-zahab. – Deuteronomy 1:1
The People of Israel are camped by the side of the Jordan River, very near the end of their journey. Moses, now aged and infirm, is speaking to this generation, the children of those who left Egypt. He will review their story with them, retelling it, adding and omitting a few things from the earlier version. By the end of the book of Deuteronomy, he will be dead and they will be ready to cross into the Land.
Here are five divrei Torah about this parashah:
Rabbi Kari Tuling PhD – Devarim
Ben – 9 Weeks, 3 Days, and One Hell of a Fast
Rabbi Ruth Adar – Who Was the Prophetess Huldah?
Rabbi Amy Scheinerman – Summing Up, Saying Farewell
Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild – Tisha B’Av, the low point of the Jewish Year
Thank you Rabbi for the Torah portion.