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Sefer Devarim includes Moshe’s "parting speech," a review of many of the Torah’s laws, and additional mitzvot. We refer to it as "mishneh Torah" (whose possible explanations include review and addition). Moshe speaks in the sefer in the first person, in contrast to the manner that exists in the rest of the Torah. As we know that this sefer is Divinely given just as the others, we wonder why it was presented in a different manner.
The Sifrei (Devarim 1) says that the term "hadevarim asher diber Moshe" indicates that they contain Moshe’s rebuke. The Midrash Tannaim (Devarim 1:1) says on these words that Moshe’s rebuke was dear to Hashem like the Ten Commandments (both are referred to as "devarim"). R. Yishmael (ibid.) points out that in some ways Moshe’s rebuke was more powerful. Soon after Bnei Yisrael received the Ten Commandments, they sinned with the Golden Calf, whereas Moshe’s words kept Bnei Yisrael in a state of clinging to Hashem for a long time. For that reason Moshe was honored to have the words recorded in his name.
Let us explain as follows. The Torah is not a history of mankind or the Jewish People but the story of Hashem’s revelation to the world. Bereishit teaches that Hashem created the world and revealed Himself to our forefathers as individuals. The next sefarim teach that Hashem’s Presence dwelled on a nation, whom He redeemed from Egypt to give the Torah.
How do we know that the events at Sinai have a continuation, that we can accept the Torah in every generation, and that the continuing connection through the prophets strengthens the bond? It is Devarim that connects between that which is presented as classic Torah from Hashem and the Torah that is presented by Moshe in the first person. This paves the way for the presentation of other messages through the auspices of the prophets.
What do we do without prophecy? Along the above lines, we can say that Torah Sheb’al Peh (the Oral Law) is a direct outgrowth of the phenomenon of Mishneh Torah. Fittingly, the basis of the Oral Law is called Mishnah. Devarim is to the first four books as the Six Books of Mishnah are to the whole of Torah Sheb’al Peh, all of which are Sinaitic. Moshe taught that an "eternal life he planted within us." We have the power to continue, create, and develop within Torah’s framework, each of us according to his abilities.
May we succeed in continuing Moshe’s legacy of planting fruit-bearing Torah in Jews’ hearts.
Harav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook Weren't Rav Kook's Positions Unique Among Rabbis?
Translated by Hillel Fendel
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.