The Bridge
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The Bridge |
The
Bridge
The
fifth and final book of the Torah, the Book of Devarim (Deuteronomy), is unique.
It is written in a style different from the first four books of the Torah. For
example, new sections of Mitsvos in the rest of the Torah begin with the words
“And G-d spoke to Moshe saying”. The book of Devarim, however, has Moshe
talking directly to the Jewish people. What
is the significance of the contrast of the Book of Devarim with the rest of the
Torah? According
to some opinions the Book of Devarim is a bridge from the written law to the
oral law. While the Jews were in the desert they had an unprecedented
relationship with G-d. He literally took care of the Jewish people (food fell
from the sky, clouds protected them from the elements, etc…). Their leader at
this time, Moshe also had an unprecedented relationship with G-d. He was the
only prophet to speak to G-d face to face (all other prophets received their
prophecy in a dreamlike trance). Once
the Jews entered Israel, they would not see the hand of G-d so explicitly,
neither in their relationship to G-d, nor in the leader who had such open
communication with Him. In order to make their relationship work, it would take
more effort on their part: now they would have to seek out
G-d and his messages themselves. The
book of Devarim is the word of G-d, but repeated by Moshe, whereas the rest of
the Torah G-d talks to the Jewish people directly through the throat of Moshe.
This would help prepare the people for the reality in the Land of Israel (and
thenceforth), where they would hear prophecy, but the prophets did not have the
same clear vision as Moshe. Similarly,
the Talmud would be a bridge between those who had seen the Temple, the
Sanhedrin, and other aspects of Jewish life, and those who had not. Nachmanodies,
the 13th century Spanish Sage, explains there are 3 things that we learn from
the beginning of Devarim where much of our past history is recounted:
1. To show us all the
lovingkindness that G-d performed on our behalf. This is one of the most
important principles of the Torah: gratitude. Without gratitude both to G-d for
all that He does, and to our fellow man, we are nothing.
2. To learn from our past
mistakes. This shows the flawed perfection of our humanity, the ability to
correct our errors.
3. To let us know that
although there will be rough patches, when it seems that our sins are
overwhelming, G-d will never forsake us.
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