Parashat Haazinu 5769

This week’s Torah Portion, Parashat Ha’azinu, provides us with both a touching and troubling look at Moses’ final days of life. The entire Torah portion is comprised of the Ha’azinu, or Give-Ear, poem, also called Moses’ Poem. In this final poem, Moses recites his understanding of God’s relationship with Israel. The masterful verses includes images of the divine, which are intended to both comfort and disturb the audience.

When I read this poem, I tend to focus not on its particular theologies, but on its intended purpose. This poem is Moses’ attempt to make meaning of his life. This poem is Moses’ attempt to communicate his beliefs and feelings with his community. Moses declares:

Give ear, O heavens, let me speak; Let the earth hear the words I utter! May my speech come down as the rain, My utterances distill as the dew, Like showers on young growth, Like droplets on the grass. For the name of Adonai I proclaim; Give glory to our God! (Deuteronomy 32:1-3)

Moses imagines that his words will have both immediate impact (like the falling of rain) and lasting impact (like the settling of dew). Moses sees his words as holy, being given in the name of Adonai. and with the purpose of glorifying the divine. What a model of speech for us all!

We are currently in the Ten Days of Awe between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. This is a time for us to consider our own words and actions carefully. Ha’azinu is a poignant reminder that holiness comes when we speak from our souls.

What words do you need to say aloud before Yom Kippur? To whom do you need to utter them?

During this time of year, we are expected not only to engage in holy speech, but also to engage in holy action. Each year at TBS, we provide our community with the opportunity to bring bags of food for the Second Harvest Food Drive. This food is needed now more than ever, as local food banks report decreased food stock and increased demand. We have a lot to learn from Moses’ proclamation.

We all know that it is quite easy to move through life without saying the difficult things we need to say or engaging in the important actions we need to complete. Torah’s lesson this week is clear: Speak and act wisely, and do so for the sake of heaven.

I pray that each one of us is moved in the days ahead to engage in both holy speech and holy action.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah!