Devarim

THE BIG IDEA

This week is a particularly good moment to reflect on the way you tell your life story. As we begin the book of Devarim (written entirely from Moses’ POV), it is noteworthy to see the details Moses includes and the direction he takes us.

Moses isn’t telling us a story of his accomplishments, rather, he is speaking to inspire a generation he will not be leading. In order to do that he needs to first account for himself and an entire generation that are not allowed to enter the land, and make clear that while dissent has consequences, God has already proven in this generation’s lifetime military victory of multiple enemies, assuring them (and us) good comes to those that align themselves and trust in divine will. 

So take some time this Shabbat, before Saturday night’s fast the commemorates the temple, to gather the facts of your life and reflect on what you are here to inspire. Let go of whatever you think are personal achievements and failures and instead, be like Moses.  Look out into the future and see, with your whole heart, what good could be in your life and in the land if we aligned ourselves and trusted in the ways of the ONE.