Weekly Parsha

Pray for Refuah Sheimah: Yossefa bat Sharon and Rafael ben Gladis.

Continue Praying: Mariana bat Zulay 

Mazal Tov to Rabbi Ovadiah's daugther: Bracha Malka Tank for her birthdayon 5 of Av.

Devarim

Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22

This week we begin the last of the Five Books of Moses, Devarim ("Words"). In English, it is called Deuteronomy (from the Greek meaning "Second Law" -- from deuteros "second" + nomos"law" -- perhaps because Moshe repeats many of the laws of the Torah to prepare the Jewish people for entering and living in the Land of Israel). The Book is the oration of Moses (Moshe) before he died. Moshe reviews the history of the 40 years of wandering the desert, reviews the laws of the Torah and gives rebuke so that the Jewish people will learn from their mistakes. Giving reproof right before one dies is often the most effective time to offer advice and correction; people are more inclined to pay attention and to take it to heart.

* * *

When Moses could no longer bear the burden of judging the Jewish people alone, he followed his father-in-law's advice and appointed judges. The Torah tells us that Moses said:

"And I commanded your judges at that time saying, 'listen among your brothers' " (Deuteronomy 1:16).

Why did Moses tell them to listen amongst their brethren?

Moses told the judges to be patient and deliberate in each case that came before them. Even if they had similar cases in the past, they should discuss the present case thoroughly.

Every case is different from any other, and each case should be viewed as entirely new and every detail considered. This applies whenever you become involved in settling quarrels between people. Of course, there are patterns that anyone with experience will recognize, but there will always be factors that make each situation unique. Do not jump to conclusions.

Rather, listen carefully to both sides. Just because one solution worked in a past situation does not mean that it will automatically be effective in a situation that is quite similar though a little bit different. One needs to be creative and flexible. Whenever you try to help people settle quarrels, give the matter your full attention to see what needs to be said and done in this specific situation. By doing this, you will have the merit of bringing peace to many more people than if you rigidly try the exact same approach each time. Why did Moses tell the judges to listen to their brethren? Only by truly listening will they hear the important details that make the case unique.

When looking for faults, use a mirror -- not a telescope. 

Great opportunities come to those who make the most of the small ones.  

Shabbat Shalom!

Rav Tank

Online Learning

Rabbi Tank is a professor at the American Jewish College of New York where he teaches classes on Talmud, Chassidism, Jewish History, Contemporary Jewish Law and Jewish Music. Rabbi Tank is dedicated to finding modern usefulness and meaning in ancient wisdom texts, providing spiritual, cultural, social and educational programming for communities around the world.

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