Mrs. Tobi Wolf, Principal
Parshat Ha’azinu is a unique component of Moshe Rabeinu’s farewell opus to B’nei Yisroel, a shira that comprises only one perek. The Seforno offers the following synopsis.
...זְכֹר֙ יְמ֣וֹת עוֹלָ֔ם בִּ֖ינוּ שְׁנ֣וֹת דּוֹר־וָד֑וֹר
Remember the days of old, contemplate the years of each generation...
Moshe takes us back to the creation of Adam. He explains the original plan for humanity. There would be one human species guided by the code that came to be called the Noahide laws. The people would dedicate their energies to building kind and just societies. Since everyone would be committed to the true concept of Hashem Echad, unity would prevail,
Since Hashem had endowed mankind with the ability to be choosers, this outcome had to result from the exercise of free will. Tragically, the people did not remain true to these principles and
Plan A failed spectacularly. Mankind had missed the mark and the true concept of Hashem Echad was almost lost.
In His mercy, Hashem offered us the option of Plan B.
יַצֵּב֙ גְּבֻלֹ֣ת עַמִּ֔ים לְמִסְפַּ֖ר בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
He established boundaries for the nations, for the number of B’nei Yisroel.
The objective was to designate one nation that would teach mankind how to implement
Hashem’s will. Moshe explains how Hashem formed the nation and gave them a designated land. He blessed them with all the good so that they would serve him with simcha and goodness of heart. Instead of being appreciative, וישמן ישורון ויבעט, Israel became fat and kicked. They attributed their success to their own efforts and rebelled against the precepts of Torah.
Hashem punished them with exile.
Finally, Moshe reveals that there will be a redemption at the end of days.
רְא֣וּ ׀ עַתָּ֗ה כִּ֣י אֲנִ֤י אֲנִי֙ ה֔וּא וְאֵ֥ין אֱלֹהים עִמָּדִ֑י
See now that I, I am He and there is no god with me.
This means that B’nei Yisroel will recognize Hashem and return to Him. Hashem will mete out
justice and punish their enemies . And then, הַרְנִ֤ינוּ גוֹיִם֙ עַמּ֔וֹ - The nations will sing the praise of His nation. Bnei Yisroel will fulfill its original mission to be an אור לגוים. Mankind will serve Hashem and peace will prevail. And the creativity of the human race will be unleashed in the service of the Creator.
This shira is our story, and it continues to bolster our trust in Hashem and give us hope to this day. May our Sha’arei Bina Family play its role in fulfilling the vision of Ha’azinu.
Shabbat Shalom and G’mar Chatima Tova.
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