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The Second Tablets Moshe relates how at the end of the 40 days, which came out to the 1st of Elul, G-d agreed to reconcile, telling Moshe to rise up and return to the Israelites in spite of their having sinned with the golden calf, and lead them to the Land of Israel. He toldContinue reading “Eikev, 4th Aliya”

A Stiffnecked People Moshe forewarns the Israelites that when the time comes that the other nations are expelled from the Land of Israel, the Israelites should not ascribe this happening to their righteousness as well as the other nations’ wickedness. Rather, Moshe explains, it is only due to the other nations’ wickedness that they willContinue reading “Eikev 3rd Aliya”

In Times of Abundance, Remember G-d Moshe warns the Israelites that there will come a time when they will have an abundance of wealth (he specifies food, home, animals and money (gold and silver)) resulting in them feeling arrogant and forgetful regarding G-d who rescued them from Egypt and led them through a dangerous desertContinue reading “Eikev, 2nd Aliya”

What to Expect in the Land of Israel Moshe informs them that if they are careful to observe the minor commandments, G-d will keep His promise to them. *Side note: This verse begins with the phrase “And it will be”, written in Hebrew as עֵקֶב which holds another meaning of “heel”, alluding to those commandmentsContinue reading “Eikev, 1st Aliya”

How the Israelites are To Deal With the Other Nations in Israel Moshe tells the nation that upon bringing them into Israel, He will cast away seven nations which are more powerful than them. These seven nations are: The Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivvites and Jesubites. Moshe goes on to say that G-d isContinue reading “VaEschanan 7th Aliya”

The Shema Prayer Today’s Chumash portion begins with the Shema Prayer: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our* God; the Lord is one**.” *Our – meaning he is the G-d of the Jews and not the other nations**In the future, this G-d, our G-d, will be declared as the One G-d. (see Zephaniah 3:9 andContinue reading “VaEschanan 6th Aliya”

The Israelites Request Moshe as a Buffer Moshe relates how G-d spoke the Ten Commandments from the mountain and inscribed them onto two stone tablets which He gave to Moshe. Moshe describes G-d’s voice as being strong and ceaseless, meaning that He did not need to take breaths between words the way humans do. AnotherContinue reading “VaEschanan, 5th Aliya”

A Recap of the Giving of the Ten Commandments Moshe summons all of the Israelites to relate the commandments from G-d. He reminds them of the covenant G-d made with them in Chorev. He emphasizes that this covenant was not only between G-d and their forefathers but rather also with every person who was aliveContinue reading “VaEschanan 4th Aliya”

Cities of Refuge Three cities of refuge were set up within the land of Israel for anyone who unintentionally murders another human to escape to. Although the cities of refuge would not come into effect until they were separated within the land of Israel, Moshe quickly set his intention towards separating them. This intention toContinue reading “Va’Eschanan, 3rd Aliya”

Recollections of G-d’s Relationship with Israel Moshe notes that he had taught the Israelites the statutes and ordinances that G-d commanded them to keep in the Land of Israel. He instructs them to study and act according to these laws and in so doing, they will be viewed by other nations as being wise andContinue reading “Va’Eschanan, 2nd Aliya”