The Past, the future

Haazinu

Deuteronomy 32:1 -52

Précis: The parasha begins with the “Song of Moses,” a hymn sung by Moses within sight of the Promised Land. The song contrasts God’s fidelity to the faithlessness of the People and the need of the People to learn from their history under God’s care. Moses predicts that Israel’s enemies will be overcome. Moses is told to climb a mountain to see the Promised Land he will not to enter, as he prepares for his death. This is the last parasha read on Shabbat in the annual cycle: the final parasha (V’zot Habracha) is read traditionally on Simchat Torah.

(Deuteronomy 32:7) “Ask your parent, who will inform you…”

(Deuteronomy 32: 46) “Take to heart all the words with which I have warned you this day. Enjoin them upon your children, that they may observe faithfully all the terms of this Teaching.”

             In his final speech to the People, Moses presents them with two different visions. He first castigates them for their failing during the years in the desert, reminding them that they must learn from their errors. (Deuteronomy 32:7). Look to the past and learn the lessons of your pious ancestors!

But then Moses instructs the People that they are responsible for looking forward, to teach their children about the need for fidelity to God and to fulfill the terms of the Covenant. Is this indeed a dichotomy, or is there a more subtly message being presented?

If one looks at the entirety of the Bible, from the Five Books of Moses to the prophets and to the writings, we see a steady separation of God from humanity. The God who walked in the cool of the evening with Adam in the Garden has become ever more remote. Moses may have spoken with God, but after Moses, God’s Voice comes in dreams or through visions, when they come at all. Our tradition insists, however, that a Messianic Redemption will come some day. Thus, while the historical God seems remote, we maintain a belief in His promise of future salvation.

In his deft way, Moses’ final pronouncements hint at the duality of our tradition: reverence for the past, and hope for the future. To use another metaphor, we are links in a chain, relying upon the strength of those who have come before, overcoming struggle, facing danger, yet surviving with a belief that a better day lies ahead of us: for our people, our families, our congregations, and all of Israel.