Haazinu, Deuteronomy 32:1-52 For I proclaim the name of HaShem; ascribe greatness to our God! (Deuteronomy 32:3). Moses’ entire mission was to “proclaim the name of HaShem”, teaching His ways and His laws to Israel and to all the peoples of the world. On the last day of his life in...

Nitzavim-Vayeilech Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 & 31:1-30 As the Five Books of the Torah approach their triumphant conclusion, Moses prophesies that the very Land of Israel itself will teach a stark lesson both to Israel and also to all the people of the world: Lest there be among you a man or woman or...

KI TAVO, Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 In the portion of KI TAVO Moses completes his exposition of the commandments of the Torah, after which he launches into his final reproofs to Israel prior to leaving the life of this world. Almost the last of the commandments given in the Torah are set forth in our portion:...

Ki Seitzei, Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Our portion of KI SEITZEI opens with the words: “When you go out war against your enemies…” (Deuteronomy 21:10). Which war is this talking about? An earlier section of the Torah in the previous portion began with the very same words: “When you...

Shoftim, Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 The Hebrew root SHALOM, which means PEACE, appears 887 times in the Torah, Prophets and Holy Writings. By contrast, the Hebrew root LACHAM in the sense of warfare appears no more than 576 times. This shows that PEACE is the highest value in the Torah, the ultimate good....