Parashat Devarim

(Words)

Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22

Isaiah 1:1 - 1:27

In this Torah portion, Moses recounts the Israelites’ episodes from their 40 years in the wilderness. Moses encourages the Israelites in their upcoming conquest of the land of Canaan.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Culture and Counterculture

Are the giants described in Parashat Devarim primitive foes to be vanquished or a compelling culture to be resisted?

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Is Moses Telling ‘Fake News’?

The line between “interpretation” and “alteration” isn’t always clear.

Moses Rewrites History

Why does Moses change his story as he retells it at the end of his life?

From Reaction to Action

Hope exists in the recognition that the world is changeable.

Rebukes And Responses

In Moses' final speech to the Israelites, he provides us with a model of effective rebuke.

Tzedek vs. Tzedakah: Justice vs. Charity

Both are about righting the wrongs that are all too pervasive in our world.

Belonging To the Land

An obligation of responsibility for this generation and the next.

On History and Memory

You can learn history, but how does one acquire memory?

Attributes of a Leader

Moses shares his views on leadership.

Perceptions Of Justice

People's perceptions of a society are often based on that society's judicial system.

Words Of Admonition

Moses at the end of his life rebukes the Israelites, who are receptive to his criticisms.

Gentle Rebuke Can Lead To Return

Moses' sensitive rebuke of the Israelites teaches us that we can always return and renew our relationship with God and religion.

My Killer, My Brother

The instruction not to provoke the descendants of Esau reminds us that there is always potential for family reconciliation.

Eichah: Where Are We Now?

We should respond to major historical events and to personal decisions with the question, "Where are we morally?"

What Makes The Land Holy?

The land of Israel is sacred by virtue of the sacred actions performed by its inhabitants.

Love And Land

The love between God and the Children of Israel is most strongly expressed in the Land of Israel.

Parashat Devarim: Anticipatory Grief

This week’s Torah portion, Devarim, is always read on the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’Av, the fast day commemorating the ...

Haftarah for Devarim

Isaiah charges the people with rebellion against God.

Parashat Devarim Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Parashat Devarim: Summary

Moses recounts to the Israelites episodes from the 40 years in the wilderness; he encourages the Israelites in their upcoming conquest of the land of Canaan.