Devarim

📜 The Story

Devarim is the first parsha in Deuteronomy, the fifth and last book of the Torah. The Israelites are camped on the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, just before they enter the Land of Israel. Moses is one hundred twenty years old. He knows he will not go into the land with them, so he gives the people a long speech to prepare them for their new life.

Moses reminds them of things that happened in the desert. He tells how he once felt he could not handle all the people's problems and arguments alone. He said, 'How can I carry all your troubles by myself?' So the people chose wise, understanding men, and they became judges over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens, to help judge fairly.

Moses also reminds them of the spies. Ten of the twelve spies came back with a scary report about the Land of Israel, and the people cried and did not want to go in. Because of this, that generation stayed in the desert for forty years, until their children grew up and were ready to enter the land.

Later in the parsha, the Israelites come closer to the land. On the way, they fight and beat two powerful kings, Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan, who tried to stop them. These victories gave the people confidence that with God's help, they were ready.

Devarim is always read on the Shabbat (the Sabbath) right before Tisha B'Av, the sad day when we remember the destruction of the Temple. That Shabbat is called Shabbat Chazon, the 'Shabbat of Vision.' Even in hard times, God is with us. In the parshiot ahead, Moses keeps teaching the people how to be a good, wise and fair nation in their new land.