D’varim – דְבָרִים (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)
This Week’s Torah Portion: D’varim – דְבָרִים (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)
…אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים
“These are the words Moses spoke to the Israelites on the other side of the Jordan.”
-Deuteronomy 1:1
Devarim means words, and Moses holds many words he wishes to gift his people; much of this book is that gift. Moses goes deep, re-telling the battle stories that have led to their present. Moses reminds the Israelites, “each time [we entered a new land] God instructed us on whether the people would allow us to pass peacefully, or through battle—now you are ready …have no fear, God fights for you when it is time to fight.” Moses’ message to his people is an example of practicing gratitude. Moses reminds the Israelites that their past will continue to inform their future; he encourages his people they are ready for this next step. Finally, Moses reminds the people that they have achieved their goal through a partnership with God. It took hard work and faith in the Divine to step into the final journey forward. As we reach pinnacle moments in our lives, let us take the time to reflect on our progress, remember that we are ready to take the next step, however big it might be, and offer up our gratitude to those seen and unseen that have helped us along the way.