Moses Farewell Speech
This week we begin the final and fifth book of the Torah, Sefer Devarim, the Book of Words- the Mishneh Torah- which is Moses's final speech to his beloved Jewish people before they enter the land of Israel without him.
In a few weeks Moses will die and will no longer lead, shepherd and teach them. This book of Deuteronomy is his farewell speech. Moses has carried the Jewish people for over 40 years and now is given the opportunity, in fact the gift of being able to speak to them, to share with them his wisdom for their future benefit beyond the desert life. He is speaking to the second generation of Jews, not those who left Egypt, not those who experienced slavery firsthand, but to those who are building on the previous generation. He is speaking to a people who grew up in the desert, who hopefully are able to hear and internalize what he has to say. He is saying goodbye. He is expressing his love. He is offering forgiveness. He is offering advice. He is offering words to strengthen and empower. He is rebuking. He is reiterating how to live upright and good lives. Moses's words come as his end draws near, with a heart filled with love, without hesitation, wanting everything good for his people. He is unafraid to speak his Truth. The sharing of the God-given wisdom he knows is done softly and compassionately, in the hope that it can be heard. His reprimand of them is veiled. He speaks at the perfect time, at a time of hope and excitement, just as the people are poised to enter the Promised land. He speaks to them briefly, not belaboring his message, not overdoing his rebuke and lesson giving. Finally, he ends on a positive note and with a blessing. Moses is showing us for all time how to bid farewell to those we cherish. He is showing us that even when the message is hard to give, when it comes from a loving heart, it can enter another's loving heart. Moses is showing us how to forgive, how to give over values, how to let go of needing to finish what one has started. Perhaps we will not have the same opportunity to bid farewell to our loved ones in the same way as Moses had. However, if we live our lives as upright and loving people, then those we touch will know what our legacy is, what our values are and what we believe in. May we be able to follow on the path of our ancestors internalizing their good, loving values so that we can continue the work that they started.
Sending much love for a Shabbat shalom, Elissa
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