Weekly Parsha

Deuteronomy 1-3

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.

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Dvar Torah
based on Growth Through Torah by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

The Torah states:

“AND I COMMANDED YOUR JUDGES AT THAT TIME SAYING, ‘LISTEN AMONG YOUR BROTHERS.’ “

What does this mean and what lesson for life can we learn from it?

Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin writes that some judges may see themselves as elevated people and the litigants who come to them as wicked. Therefore, the Torah writes, “Listen among your brothers.” That is, consider anyone who comes to you as a brother and treat him accordingly.

This concept applies to anyone in a position of authority. It is very easy to treat people as objects. However, our attitude towards others should be, “How would I feel, act and talk if this person were my brother?” This is especially important for anyone who is in a position where people in financial need or emotional pain come to him or her for assistance. The person you are talking with is suffering and often might feel embarrassed that he needs to come to someone for help. Be extremely sensitive to his feelings. If you are able to make him feel that you feel towards him as a close relative, it is a great kindness.