Mark Call

This week, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship does a somewhat different combination of the recent ‘double-parsha,’ and combines the end of the Book of Numbers (Masei, Numbers 33 through the end of the Book) with the first parsha, Debarim (Deuteronomy/Debarim 1 through 3:22) in the final Book of the Torah, of that same name. Both have to do with a bit of a recap, as the children of Israel begin to – finally – complete their 40 years b’midbar – in the wilderness – and prepare to enter the land.

And Debarim is vital, and different in many ways, from the rest of the Torah. In large measure, it is not only the last chapter of Moses’ life, but his ‘farewell address.’ And, as Mark never misses pointing out, it is THE most quoted Book by the American Founders during the entire Revolutionary Era. And fundamental to the ‘English – and then American – Common Law.’

The Erev Shabbat summary and reading of the text:

Why does Moses’ recap take the form it does, and why is it so relevant today?

It begins with a poignant reminder: “It is [only!] eleven days journey,” from where they started, to where they were. But it took forty years, and every male, save the two, of fighting age died along the way.

Moses knows he is about to die, and he knows what is coming for the sons of Israel: War. They must take the land.

But other major change is at hand as well. They sandals didn’t wear out – year after year. They didn’t have to plant or harvest food; manna was there for them without fail. All of that will soon be over.

And the ‘giants’ that so terrified their fathers? They were there, and YHVH led them to battle, and those “mighty men” fell before them.

We, too, are facing what look like major, perhaps earth-shattering, change. And giants? They’re still out there, and those who fail to “Trust in YHVH,” have more reason to be terrified than ever.

Masei-Debarim: “Moshe’s Recap – Major Changes, and Giants – Then, and Now”

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash: