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Devarim (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Devarim – Chazon

Dvar Torah
This week we commence Deuteronomy – the final book of the Pentateuch – consisting of Moses’ final speech to the people. A recurring theme throughout is Moses’ admiration for the Land of Israel which he himself was famously not allowed to enter. One example in Parshat Devarim is the citation (Deu. 3:8-9) of three names for Mount Hermon in three different languages – which the Talmud (Chulin 60b) explains as a reflection of the nations of the world naming their own towns and villages after places in Israel in recognition of its beauty. Indeed, today it is not unusual in to happen upon streets named after Jerusalem and towns of Bethel and Bethlehem in the US and Europe.
Approaching Tisha B’Av we are reminded unfortunately how this beauty is not to be taken for granted. We have all witnessed the destruction of parts of Israel over these last two years and unfortunately have new things to mourn for this Tisha B’Av. Our Sages teach however that Tisha B’Av is not just a day of mourning but has the potential to become in the future a day of redemption. Reflecting on these tumultuous past two years, may we all have a meaningful and inspirational Tisha B’Av – and may it G-d willing be our last one.

Trivia – This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat Chazon” after the Haftorah (weekly portion from the Prophets) starting with the word “Chazon” which is read from the first chapter of Isaiah. The Haftorah foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and attributes it to idolatry and the corruption of justice. The Haftorah ends with a call for redemption through practicing truth and justice and is immediately followed in chapter two by Isaiah’s famous prophecy on the end of days.

Shabbat times (in/out)
Yerushalayim 19:00/20:15
Tel-Aviv 19:15/20:17
Prague 20:26/21:42
Budapest 19:59/21:11
London 20:30/21:48
NYC 19:53/20:56
Toronto 20:22/21:28

Shabbat Shalom! 

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