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August 1, 2003/Av 3 5763, Vol. 55, No. 49
A lesson worth repeating: the importance of words
Torah study
RABBI IRWIN WIENER
Devarim/Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
The Torah portion read this week was known by another name early on: "Repetition of the Torah." Moses reviews the history of the birth of the new nation, from its redemption from slavery in Egypt to the ultimate expression of the meaning of the conduct required to achieve societal norms.
Ramban explains that Devarim is primarily a reference to the Ten Commandments and all the laws that followed that formed the people into a community. It is a review of the past with an eye to the future. In fact, all that has occurred until now was an introduction to the covenant of social acceptance, the covenant of responsibility for our religious future.
This history and religious obligations are repeated to emphasize that words alone are not enough. We must understand what we hear and what we say. It is repeated because we continue to interpret its meaning, discovering new lessons.
Devarim also calls our attention to the importance words play in our relationships. All too often we say things we do not mean or say things that are mean. Sometimes we talk and do not realize that what we say can be hurtful.
Words are important in the scheme of things. Words replaced sacrifice in the Temple. The power of words brought the world into being. Creation occurred because "God said." We too have the power to create with words: a great society, a great life, a great understanding of our place in the universe. Most importantly, our words can bring us closer to God because with words we communicate our feelings.
So we repeat the lesson of our birth and redemption. We repeat over and over again the importance of loving and caring, and we choose our words very carefully because our lives depend upon them. And when the words are ended, we are blessed because of them, just as Moses blessed the people when he was finished.
And words are portable. We take them wherever we go. Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Ehad - "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one" - the cornerstone of Moses' last will and testament, is spoken by all Jews throughout the world. These words represent the universal acknowledgement of God's presence in our lives, and we repeat them morning, noon and night.
As we approach the High Holidays, we should be reminded of the importance of words. Our liturgy is filled with remembrances and contemplation. Have our words had a calming effect as we continue life's journey? Have our words had an impact on the lives of those close to us? Will our words reach a level of acceptance so that another year will find us in tune with our creator?
As Moses prepares to retire from his mission, he uses the opportunity to repeat the formula for happiness and security. Even as his strength ebbs, he knows that what has happened and what will happen are connected by the lessons of the past, for they form the chances of tomorrow. If we do not learn from the past, then there can be no future.
Listen to the words spoken by a friend, a loved one and yes, by God. But more importantly, hear what they say. Our lives and the lives of generations yet to be depend on these words and their meaning.
Rabbi Irwin Wiener will be officiating for the High Holidays at Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
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