When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week I learned about Parashat Haazinu (הַאֲזִינוּ), the tenth Torah reading in the Book of Deuteronomy and 2nd weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings for 5786.
According to Wikipedia, Haazinu (הַאֲזִינוּ), Deuteronomy 32:1 through 32:52, contains 2,326 Hebrew letters, 614 words, 52 verses and makes up 92 lines of the Torah scroll. Haazinu, the Hebrew word for “listen” when directed to more than one person, includes the “Song of Moses”; an indictment of sins, a prophecy of punishment and a promise of God’s ultimate redemption.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Haazinu for Shabbat, October 4, 2025 aka 12 Tishrei 5786:
“Before his imminent passing, Moses becomes poetic in expressing his final words to his beloved people. We hear in his stanzas the struggles and triumphs of the past 40 years. Moses frustration with the generation liberated from Egyptian bondage and witness to the greatest miracle- the gift of the Torah on Mount Sinai is voiced as he describes them as “a generation, empty and unappreciative.” He also voices hope for the generation of the future who will receive the blessings of inheriting the Land of Israel led by Joshua. He charges Joshua with new hope and courage to face the coming challenges. Moses poem warns, it instructs and it gives hope. Israel’s past history has amply demonstrated G-d’s love and care and these will continue into the future. Rebellion against his laws will occur and will put Israel in dire straits, bit in the end, G-d will not forget His covenant with the people that he created. This is a message of reality and realism. It is a message of history, but ultimately a message of hope for the future if Israel commits to fulfill its part of the Covenant.
In the final paragraph, as Moses ascends to Mount Nebo to view the land of Israel, he leaves these parting words in verses 46 and 47; “Take to heart all the words that I have warned you this day and enjoin them upon your children that they may observe faithfully all the terms of this teaching. For this is not a trifling thing for you, it is your life and though it you will long endure on the Land which you will inherit when you cross the Jordan.” Moses is saying that we must not only intellectually accept and practice the Torah but also emotionally accept it as well, not just for the current generation, but for the generations to come. The final words of Moses are a vision of hope for the future of the Jewish people made especially poignant since the reestablishment of the State of Israel in 1948. We must do all in our power to ensure that the covenant with G-d is fortified and maintained so that Israel may exist in security for eternity!”
Questions for Discussion:
- Why does Moses repeatedly refer to G-d as Hatzur-the Rock?
- What three sins does Moses most refer to that threaten our covenant with G-d?
- Why does Moses refer to remembering days of old?
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track at Yeshiva/Mesifta Adas Wolkowisk, completed his Rabbinical studies in July 2020 and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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