The Promise of Redemption after Exile
In this portion we begin the final book of the Five Books of Moses, the Book of Deuteronomy. The Children of Israel are in the final weeks or months before their entrance into the Land of Israel. Moses is approaching the final days of his life. And he takes the time to address the people of Israel, reviewing their time in the desert, teaching them the messages that they must remember and internalize before they enter the Promised Land.
This Shabbat, though, also marks the final Shabbat before the 9th of Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. On this day, the first temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians some 2,500 years ago. On this same day, the second temple was destroyed by the Romans close to 2,000 years ago. Throughout the Jewish history, this day has been marked by suffering and anti-Semitism. The expulsion decree issued by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain in 1492, which forced all the Jews of Spain to flee or convert to Christianity took effect on the 9th of Av. Some of the most horrible Crusade massacres of Jewish communities took place on the same day. On this day we fast and pray, we remember our terrible history and ask G-d to bring Messiah and rebuild the Temple as quickly as possible.
On the 9th of Av we also read the book of Lamentations, that terribly poignant description of the destruction of the First Temple written by Jeremiah, an eye-witness to the events he describes. The Book of Lamentations begins with the Hebrew word “Eicha” meaning “how?” We chant the Book of Lamentations out loud in the synagogue, sitting on the floor with the lights dimmed and the tune used is an ancient, mournful one.
In the first verses of the Book of Deuteronomy, the same word “Eicha” appears (1:12). Moses is relating to the people how he had struggled against the burden of leadership, how their rebelliousness and lack of cooperation caused him to request assistance. And yet, this word Eicha, is so much more than a simple “How can I do this?” It includes a sigh, a feeling of strain, of pain, even.
It always works out that these verses are read the Shabbat before the 9th of Av and our tradition is to read the words of this verse to the same chanting tune of the Book of Lamentations. As if to remind us of the coming fast day.
But, the connection between these verses in Deuteronomy and the Book of Lamentations is far more than the apparently coincidental appearance of the two unique words of “Eicha.” I believe the message is far more profound. Throughout the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses tries to inspire the Children of Israel to follow G-d’s word. He tells them that their obedience is key to their ability to remain in the Land of Israel, to avoid the punishment of exile. From the beginning of the book, Moses emphasizes how hard it has been to keep the people on the right path – his expression of “Eicha” tells us that.
In essence, Moses knows, from his personal acquaintance with the people, that they will sin, that they will end up in exile. With this one word, “Eicha” he already reflects his understanding that the Book of Lamentations will be written. But the message to us, coming as it does after the destructions have already happened can be an encouraging one. For even as G-d’s promise of exile as punishment for sin has taken place, so too, His promise of redemption after a lengthy exile will take place. In that pain of the word “Eicha” lies the promise of a better time. May we live to see those days come to pass.
Shabbat Shalom from Samaria,
Sondra Baras
Director, Israel Office
Once again, this is an interesting study. I note that in chapter 2 there is reference to the failure of Israel to go into the Promised Land, following on from a discouraging report by the spies. To me, this is pivotal. Allegiance can so easily be only by association with, or identifying with, without the necessary ownership of the promises of G-d. It was the failure to Trust G-d’s promises in facing the giants, etc that were in their way. This is a pattern of present day faith in the G-d of Israel. It is the ‘stepping out’.
As a none-Jew, I personally believe in the promise in Amos 9: when Israel returns they will never be moved again. Given the almost international hostility that is developing against Jews and Israel, it is, to me, vitally important that we who support Israel, and the Israel population also believe in this promise over and above all else that seems to range against Israel.
Thank you for sharing this with me.im trying to learn as much as I can about Israel again thank you and G-d Bless you
Having re-read my earlier comment on this teaching, I still stand by what was said here. However, there is one other point: the grace and mercy of G-d towards Israel and all who believe. It is a ‘given’ regarding our human condition that we are descended from ‘fallen’ Adam and so bear the hallmarks of that ‘fallen’ state. Hence we need the mercy of G-d, as we cannot stand in His presence without it. The Tanach is full of His mercy, as in Hosea and Amos (for example) this is massively forthcoming. As with Ezra, and also with the prophet Daniel, there was true repentance for the errors of the past. That is consistently the first requirement to attain to a restored relationship with the G-d of Israel.
Informative Torah Portion to begin the study of Deuteronomy. I too struggle with obedience, making it harder on myself.
I plan to read Lamentations on the 9th of Av with you.
It was such an amazing G-d appointed meeting we had last week. Good things will follow.