Next Reading
Torah Reading
Deuteronomy 31:1 - 31:30
Haftarah
Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27 | Shabbat Shuva
In this Torah portion, Moses concludes his speech to the Israelites, blesses Joshua, and instructs the community to gather every seven years to read publicly from the Torah. God predicts the eventual straying of the Israelites.
Featured Commentary
Moses and Joshua possessed leadership characteristics that we continue to look for in our leaders today.
The Haftarah selection comes from Hosea 14:2-10 and Micah 7:18-20. Ashkenazic communities add Joel 2:15-27.
The leader of the Israelites is not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
Moses and God each instruct Joshua according to the different models of leadership each embodies.
Song can remind us of our authentic selves and our genuine power.
The health of the land depends on our responsible behavior.
The commandments to destroy the seven Canaanite nations are perhaps best understood as a later generation's struggle with idolatry.
The commandment to gather every seven years for a communal Torah reading reinforces the spirit of unity and commitment among the people.
The final commandments in the Torah, to gather as a community to hear the Torah and to write down a spiritual legacy, encourage us to re-engage with our core values.
Why is Moses reluctant to hand over leadership to Joshua?
Several commentaries interpret Moses's going to the people before his death.
After learning he will soon die, Moses expresses fear that his values will not survive him.
Moses concludes his speech to the Israelites, blesses Joshua, and instructs the community to gather every seven years to read publicly from the Torah; God predicts the eventual straying of the Israelites.
