14 Aug Society of Jewish Science Kabbalat Shabbat 8/16/24 – 7pm
Posted at 11:17h
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Parshat Va’etchanan
This week’s Torah portion is Va’etchanan, which means “I entreated” or “I pleaded” and is found in Deuteronomy 3:23. Moses continues recounting the story of the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness on their way from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land.
Moses revisits how he has pleaded with G-d to allow him to enter the Promised Land and G-d has continually refused, only allowing Moses to ascend Mt. Pisgah where he will get to view the land.
Moses recalls G-d giving the Israelites the Torah as G-d spoke to them out of the midst of fire. The Ten commandments are recited along with the Shema, the Ve’ahavta, wrapping tefillin when we pray, and affixing mezuzot on the doorposts of our homes.
Moses also prophesies that future generations will turn away from G‑d, worship idols, leading to the Israelites exile from their land only to be scattered amongst the nations. In the end, they will return to G‑d, obey His Torah, and live in Israel.
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This retelling of Moses not being allowed to enter the Promised Land is different than it’s original telling in Parshah Chukat. What can we learn from this?
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After 40 years, The Israelites are only an 11 day journey from Mt. Sinai. Why is that? Why haven’t they traveled further?
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How can we, as we approach Rosh Hashanah progress in our Spiritual Journey and not experience “Spiritual Exile”?
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Come join us for Shabbat service and let’s get into it!