Welcome back to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa, based in Mason City. We're grateful you are with us again. This week we read Parsha Va’etchanan (Deut. 3:23 - 7:11) which is Hebrew for "I implored" as in, "I implored Hashem at that time saying..." You'll find this in Deut. 3:23. What is going on is that Moses, after being told he would not be able to enter Israel once again prays to G-d that he might. He figured that following the battle with Sihon and Og that, perhaps, G-d would grant him his request. Hey, you can't fault him for trying.
And, The Answer Is...
No. We have to remember that Hashem always answers prayer. Sometimes it is "yes" sometimes it is "no" and sometimes it is, "not yet". Sure that's hard to take but it's the way this all works. In the end G-d knows what is best even if we don't.
Back to Work
So, Moses gets the answer and right away gets back to work. He tells the people that they are not to add or subtract from the words of the Torah and to keep all of the Commandments. He then reminds them that G-d has no shape or form and that we should not make or worship idols of any kind.
Here then is where we learn why there are no images in any shul. There are, perhaps, some stained glass but you'll never see an "image" that might be mistaken for G-d. Now you know...
Cities of Refuge
We next move on to the cities that were designated as places of refuge. Bezer, Ramot, and Golan are designated as Cities of Refuge east of the Jordan river. Accidental murderers can escape there to avoid revengeful relatives. They then wait there until tried. This is another example of justice first rather than revenge.
The "Big Ten"
The Ten Commandments are repeated to the whole Jewish people. Moses expounds the Shema, affirming the unity of G-d, Whom all should love and transmit His commandments to the next generation. A man should wear tefillin upon the arm and head. All Jews should put a mezuzah (the scroll is the essential part) upon each doorpost of their home (except the bathroom).
This, the Shema, is the first thing a Jewish child learns and it is also the final utterance. So central is the Shema to our faith that it is seen as the reason we are here and gives us clear direction as what we should do...daily.
Intermarriage
Here is the thorny issue so many people have a hard time understanding. Here Moses relays the commandment that the people should not marry a person of another faith. You can read the commandment in Deut. 7: 3-4. "You shall not intermarry with them, you shall not give your daughters to his son, and you shall not take his daughter for your son. (and here is the reason) "For he will cause your child to turn away from me and they will worship the gods of others..."
Look, I get it but realize that far too often in a mixed marriage there is a lack of staying true to our faith. In fact it is the leading cause of Jews to leave and then, sadly, never come back. I have spoken about this many, many times and yes, it is difficult. Because I'm told, "But, I love her/him!" As true as that is also understand that the non-Jewish partner believes that your children will burn in hell because of their decision to not follow their faith. What can that say about a healthy relationship?
Midrash & Services
We've decided to hold services on Friday the 19th of August starting at 7:00PM and our Midrash (Study Session) will take place on Shabbat starting at 10:00AM. We hope you'll come and learn with us. And, yes, your questions are always answered.
See you in Shul!
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