Episode Details

This week we begin Sefer Devarim, the fifth and final book of the Torah. Unlike the previous four books, Devarim is one long farewell address from Moshe Rabbeinu during the final weeks of his life before Bnei Yisrael enter Eretz Yisrael.

In this episode we explore what makes Devarim unique, why Moshe waited until the end of his life to rebuke the nation, the incredible value of even a single mitzvah, and practical lessons we can apply as we prepare for the Three Weeks and look toward redemption.

In This Episode

* Why Sefer Devarim is called Mishneh Torah

* How Devarim differs from the first four books of the Torah

* The Gra, Ramban, and HaKetav VeHaKabbala on the structure and purpose of Devarim

* Rav Chaim (brother of the Maharal) on the hidden message contained in the names of the parshiyot

* Moshe’s model of rebuke: correcting while simultaneously defending the Jewish people

* The symbolism behind the place names in the opening verses

* “With the left hand push away, with the right hand embrace” (Sanhedrin 107b)

* Hashem providing us with the tools we need for the mission He gives us

* The spies and the consequences of fear

* “Turn northward”—the Kli Yakar on humility, wealth, and living quietly in exile

* Why Moshe feared Og, king of Bashan, and what it teaches us about the immeasurable value of one mitzvah

* Reuven and Gad as a model for our own inner spiritual battles

* Finding comfort in Hashem’s promise: “Do not fear them, for Hashem your God fights for you.”

* Preparing for redemption during the Three Weeks through introspection, Torah, tefillah, and acts of chesed

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