This week's portion continues Moses's valediction, and the framework remains: if you do good, you will prosper; if you do evil and turn toward other gods, you will suffer drought and exile.
It is interesting to note two things: 1. Judaism believes -- largely -- that the reward for good and the punishment for evil occur in this world, not the next; and 2. good precipitation is a reward for virtue.
The latter may seem odd, but remember that Egypt was a land watered annually by the Nile, hence complacent. In Israel, life and death depend on precipitation in the winter, which is uncertain.
This portion also includes an admonition not to presume, when you are successful and satiated, that you have achieved that though your own efforts, but to be conscious of the gratitude you owe to God.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
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This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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