Drash on Re’eh 2024

Rabbi Aviva Kipen

Progressive Judaism Victoria

In Re’eh, Moshe’s reiterations continue in what Plaut labels the “Third Discourse”. With the specifics of the portion detailed in the English introduction pages 1255-6, we might wonder about Moses’s ongoing capacity to serve.

As we reach the ends of our lives, those who have the privilege of being able to prepare in anticipation of incapacity, also must decide what is important for our legacy. Some write a document that is their own Living Will. Others decide which possessions are to be given to family, friends and worthy causes. Some families talk well, so talking becomes a vehicle for transmitting what those with limited time – at whatever age they may be – wish to pass on to those they care about and to those who love them. Some families don’t talk so well and the task of finding ways to prepare our loved ones for inevitable deaths in old age or owing to illness is difficult and invites alternatives: some people assemble albums, power point presentations, phone albums, or find other ways to let the pictures do the talking.

Moses is departing. His legacy is God’s scaffold for future Jewish life. Rereading the diverse reminders that jump between the most spiritual and the most practical, we are reminded that the tension of Jewish living rests in the capacity to do what we can and keep in mind whole areas of our tradition that are inoperative and yet not forget them. As the laws of kashrut are revisited, starting on Plaut 1266, their details are placed between the consequences for idolatry and the need to revere and sustain the Levites. The seemingly private observance of eating is placed alongside corporate survival by means of remaining God-fearing and sustaining the Jewish Public Service Levi’im

I write as Israel launches heavy air strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Perhaps the image of the destruction of a town that has tolerated idolatry, the utter ruination of people, property and buildings resulting in “an everlasting ruin” (Duet 13:17), is a timely reminder that we have the continuing capacity to inflict that. But the demand is to somehow find the capacity to keep going. Though we are not directly involved in Israel’s decisions to defend or attack, we are not without opinions. But the choice is to go on, to meet the challenges placed in our path by “blessings” and “curses” and to choose well. We cannot change what is beyond us, but we can be deliberate about what is well within our grasp. As we approach Rosh Chodesh Elul, with 5785 lurking tantalizingly close, what we can do and what we need to do are a reality check on our individual capacities and collective obligations. May the new month of Elul bring blessing and peace for all. To receive a daily spiritual input for Elul, please register with Jocelyn Robuck, by sending your email request to jocelyn@upj.org.au.