Ilustration Credit: Elad Lifshitz, Dov Abramson Studio
In This Week’s Parashah: מָה בַּפָּרָשָׁה
Full Parashah Reading: Devarim 29:9-30:20
- Our parashah is about the בְּרִית (brit, covenant) that bonds God and Benei Yisrael. The brit includes everyone—from the leaders to the children, people who were part of Benei Yisrael at that time, and even those who weren’t there! God promises to be our God, and we promise to be faithful.
- If we do what’s right, we will enjoy blessings. And if we don’t do what’s right…we can always change our ways! The parashah emphasizes the power of תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah, returning to God). No matter how far away we are, God is prepared to gather us back if we choose to return.
- Moshe emphasizes that Torah and mitzvot are close by and accessible. These are neither up in the sky nor far across the sea. This is something that we can do!
- Moshe tells Benei Yisrael that they face a choice between life or death, and blessings or curses. He encourages them: וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים (uvaharta ba-hayyim, choose life)!
