This Shabbat we begin the fifth book of the Bible, the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy). Essentially, Devarim focuses on two themes:

1. Moses’ “farewell” address to the people and his final charge to the nation.

2. Preparations for the next generation of b’nai yisrael to enter the Land of Israel.

In the first portion of Devarim, Moses reviews the history from the Sinai Desert. He also reviews the appointment of judges and the incident of the scouts (a more accurate term than “spies”) which leads to an extended period of wandering in the desert.

The reading includes:

• Israelites journey through the territory of the Edomites, the Moabites and the Ammonites. As they march, they will be journeying north – finally in the direction of Canaan. They will be traveling through Transjordan as they gradually head toward the Promised Land. At an early stage in their national history, b’nai yisrael begin to appreciate the tension which exists with their neighbors. Specifically,  Moses cautions b’nai yisrael not to provoke the people of Seir (Edom), whom they encounter on the way, because they are “kinspeople” who have a right to live in peace.

• In passing through the Ammonite territory, Moses again cautions the people not to instigate trouble, but to pass through Ammon unassumingly. Moses also reminds them how King Sihon of Heshbon did not willingly permit the Israelites to pass through his territory.

As you read, bear in mind:

This Monday night we will commemorate Tisha B’Av, the Ninth of Av, a national day of mourning for the Jewish people. On Tisha B’Av, we historically mourn the destruction of the two Jerusalem Temples. We chant from the Book of Aichah (Lamentations), which is a poignant, biblical dirge about the destruction of Jerusalem. Yet on Tisha B’Av, we also consider the nations, tribes and people who have – like Sihon – established physical, spiritual, or emotional roadblocks to hinder Jewish survival. We think today about the terrorists who would rather blow themselves up than recognize Israel’s legitimacy. We never forget October 7th and Hamas barbarism. While the Torah narrates an historical epoch long ago, many of the ancient scenarios have contemporary meaning.

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 1:1-27

We traditionally read today’s Haftorah on the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av. Isaiah offers a message of rebuke to the people of Jerusalem. The people “turn their backs against God” by living unethical lives. They may observe the New Moon and the holidays but commit crimes, pursue injustice, mistreat orphans, and act as thieves. Such is not the behavior of a moral nation.

In verse 21, Isaiah says: “Alas, she (Zion) has become a harlot (aichah hay’ta I’zonah).” The word aichah (alas) is the first word of the Book of Lamentations, which we read on Tisha B’Av, and therefore the book is called the Book of Aichah.

In the haftorah, Isaiah calls attention to the need for all Israelites to live an ethical life beyond reproach.