Parshios Netzavim & Vayeilech
A Final Warning
The final chapters of the Torah are poetic and to a certain extent
melodious. Moshe sums up the Torah with a final warning to the Jewish people
of the consequences of ignoring the covenant with God. But he also has
soothing words about the ultimate destiny and accomplishments of the Jewish
people, of their unending loyalty to their God and land, and of a better
world for all of humankind.
In reality the parshiyot of this week sum up the pulls and twists of Jewish
history. All other nations facing the events and destructions visited on the
Jewish people over the ages would not have survived, let alone prospered and
persevered. But it is the eternal covenant of God with Israel that has
sustained us till this very day. And the covenant exists and remains binding
and effective even when portions of the Jewish people deny or are unaware of
its existence.
Ben-Gurion, the reputed skeptic and agnostic, nevertheless once famously
said that miracles are the normalcy of Jewish life and existence. That idea
is certainly the basis for Moshe’s words in these final chapters of the
Torah. The realization of the existence and continuing effectiveness of this
ancient covenant that has weathered all storms and survived all attempts to
obliterate it. Moshe tells them in advance that the song of the covenant
will eternally rise to remind Israel of its mission and ultimate role in
human affairs.
That is part of the mystique that allows the Torah to call itself a “song.”
It is the melody of holiness that resonates in our hearts and souls even
amongst those who have forgotten the lyrics – the holy words – of the song
itself. Melodies are not easily forgotten or eradicated from our
subconscious. They create associative memory that does not easily leave us.
People have their favorite songs. Countries have their national anthems. The
melodies govern us even when the words are no longer sounded or expressed
clearly. The Torah is therefore not only its holy words but also the
haunting melody of Jewish existence and God’s covenant throughout the ages.
Melody is one of the great memory aids of all time. For Selichot, we will
say “to listen to the melody and to the prayers.” Apparently, prayer without
lasting melody accompanying it falls short of its desired purpose.
Therefore, Jewish prayer throughout all of our history has been infused and
beautified by melody. Some melodies are considered so sacrosanct that they
defy change or improvisation. The Torah itself is read publicly to melody
and special cantillations. In fact, rabbinic commentary has drawn upon the
melodies of the Torah reading to find meanings and direction in the very
words of the Torah itself. Thus, the covenant of the Torah itself is put to
music, so to speak, by its holy melodies, and it rises continually to
refresh our memories and strengthen our souls in all times of danger and
challenges.
Shabat shalom.
Shana tovah
Rabbi Berel Wein
