D’varim (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)
This Week’s Torah Portion: D’varim – דְבָרִים (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)
This Shabbat, we look ahead to the coming week, which holds the 9th of Av, T’sha B’av-the saddest day of our Jewish calendar. On this day we recall all of the crises that befell us as a Jewish nation and peoplehood. We call this Shabbat, Shabbat Hazon, in honor of the Haftarah selection we read from Isaiah. When we dwell in our sadness, as it lifts, it guides us forward. The only way forward is action toward healing. Our positive energy not only lifts us up but elevates the entire world. This is Isaiah’s Hazon-vision for a repaired and healed world.
“Learn to do good.
Devote yourselves to justice;
Aid the wronged.
Uphold the rights of the orphan;
Defend the cause of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17