The Sedra Devarim 5781

This week we begin Sefer Devarim, the final book of the Torah. We find Moshe Rabbeinu delivering his powerful farewell address, reviewing the history of Bnei Yisrael with honesty and conviction. In this week’s portion, Moshe recalls the tragic episode of the spies and highlights a shocking accusation made by the people. They claimed that God brought them out of Egypt because He hated them. As Rashi explains through a parable, the people preferred the easy irrigation of Egypt over the arid, rain dependent land of Canaan. They viewed the necessity of hard work as a sign of divine rejection. However, our tradition teaches us the exact opposite. Work is a tremendous benefit and a source of dignity. It provides a sense of accomplishment and shields us from temptation. Eretz Yisrael was a gift of affection, not hatred, because it invited us to partner with the Almighty through our own efforts. Shabbat Shalom.