Haazinu 5783-2022

Dr. Yisrael Eldad wrote one of the truly outstanding and unique contemporary commentaries on the Torah. The commentary, written in complex poetic Hebrew, is entitled Heg’yonot Mikrah, “Meditations on the Bible.” Unfortunately, it is not available in translation.

Dr. Eldad points out that two great poems bracket the 40 difficult years in the wilderness. The wanderings begin with  אָז יָשִׁיר–Az Yashir, the song that was sung at the splitting of the sea, and conclude with הַאֲזִינוּ –Haazinu, the song recited at the close of Moses’ life.

At the shores of the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds), the children of Israel nearly sink in dread fear of the pursuing Egyptian forces, and in an instantaneous transformation, are raised by great victory as the waves burst forth and cover the depths. A great song issues forth, every nuance of which is uplifting. Wonders and miracles are commonplace, as the people declare: מִי כָמֹֽכָה, “Who is like Thee L-rd among the mighty?”

In contrast, the final song, Haazinu, reflects the vicissitudes of the present and future destiny of Israel, the ups and downs, the rises and the declines. It is not a testimony to the past, but rather a warning for the present and the future. The song at the sea was dramatic, sung by Moses and Miriam. So exhilarating was it, that the Israelite women were physically moved to dance. The setting for Haazinu, on the other hand, is restrained and dour. The song is addressed, not to joyous and ecstatic liberated slaves, but to a different community, to those born in freedom. Haazinu is not a song which the people need to sing שִּׁירָה—Shira, but a message that the people need to hear and understand (that’s what the word Haazinu means), so that it may be effectively transmitted to future generations.

And what a message it is! While at the sea, the physical existence of Israel was assured. Now, at the end of forty years in the wilderness, it is necessary for Moses to assure the peoples’ spiritual future. The message is one of warning, of instruction, and of hope. G-d’s love and care of Israel need to be reaffirmed. The people need to know that despite their rebellious nature, G-d will never abandon His people.

זְכֹר יְמוֹת עוֹלָם, “Remember the days of yore,” says Moses. Study Jewish history, he tells the people! The past is truly vital for Israel; there’s much to be learned from previous generations. Much pain and suffering can be avoided if only the future is approached with the wisdom of the past before our eyes.

We Jews, who flourish in the 3rd decade of the 21st century, are a study in contrasts. 80 years ago, a madman arose determined to end the glorious history of our people–and came very close to succeeding. And yet, four score years later, the Jewish people are experiencing one of the greatest “Golden Ages” in Jewish history. We’ve overcome Hitler’s threat, and after two thousand years of exile we have a homeland–a flourishing and remarkable State of Israel. Torah study is at an all-time high, even when contrasted with other erudite periods of Jewish history. We live in probably the most secure and financially successful period in all Jewish history.

While we may feel relatively secure, there are no guarantees! Therefore, it particularly behooves us today to carefully heed the words of Haazinu. While Moses’ message was originally addressed to the ancient Hebrews, Moses is clearly talking to us as well. It is a message that is directed to contemporary Jews, whether committed or marginal. Listen to the prophetic words of Moses (32:15): וַיִּשְׁמַן יְשֻׁרוּן וַיִּבְעָט, Yeshurun–is a flattering appellation for Israel, derived from the Hebrew word יָשָׁר , straight, upright. The People of Israel, who never deviate from the straight path of its calling, have become fat and have forsaken G-d, their Creator–they regard Him as worthless!