Deut. 32:1-52
Précis: The parasha, the shortest in the Five Books, containing only 52 verses, begins with the “Song of Moses,” a hymn sung by Moses within sight of the Promised Land. The song contrasts God’s fidelity with 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. He is told to climb a mountain to see the Promised Land he will not 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.
Deut. 32:48-52, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up and be gathered to your people …For you will see the land only from a distance; you will not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel.”
Rabbi Sacks reminds us that Moses is not a Jewish object of worship but rather the ultimate role-model. His greatness lies in his effort, and not in his achievement, since he is denied in this parasha the chance to complete his 40-year effort.
Moses’ death affirms human mortality. There are many explanations of why Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Sacks had previously argued that “each generation has its leaders” (Avodah Zarah 5a). One who has the skills to lead a people out of slavery is not necessarily one with the skills to forge a new nation in its own land.
Most of all, Moses’ life teaches us that it is right to fight against evil regimes which seem impossible to defeat.
