Sunshine Go Away Today 70s song

Hi and Shalom!
Today I want to share with you an excerpt from the weekly Torah Commentary called the UONYC Teaching Letter from the Union of Ysraelite Nazarene Congregations, a group within the Messianic faith.
There is some timeless wisdom here as it relates to the last book of the Torah, Deuteronomy.
May we all be encouraged, and His presence be with us today!
Shabbat Shalom Kol Yisrael. It is our great pleasure to present this week's Torah Parsha commentary by Nazarene Yisraelite Rabbi T. (Mordecai) Mitchell, Rabbi and Rosh Zaken of B'nai Yeshurun Nazarene Yisraelite Synagogue, Kittanning, Pa., board member of the Union of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations. Our Parsha this week is D'varim (Words) Debarim (Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22. Our Haftarah is YeshaYahu (Isaiah) 1:1 – 27. Our suggested Brit Chadasha readings are: Yochanan (John) 15:1 – 17 and Ibrim (Hebrews) 3:7 – 4:11. Also please read Tehillim (Psalms) 106 and 124.

Please note that this Parsha is read annually on the Shabbat preceding the 9th of Av. We encourage everyone to please research the dreadful and awesome history of 9th of Av, which falls this year on Tuesday, July 20 (the day begins at sundown, Monday, July 19) One thing we must keep in mind is that history does repeat itself. We must also remember that none of us can stand except for the divine and supernatural protection of Almighty Yahweh.

As a prelude to the commentary it is important to understand a bit about this last book of the Torah as we begin the book. D'varim means “Words.” In most Bible translations the book is called Deuteronomy. This word is taken from the Greek word Deuteronomos, which means “Second Law.” This Greek meaning can be a bit misleading. There is no “Second Law.” A more accurate meaning may be conveyed from the word “repetition.” D'Varim reiterates much of the Torah that had been given to Israel and introduces some relatively new instructions.

As we begin this new book, let us keep in mind that we are less than eight weeks away from the fall High Days. Let us begin to prepare to meet Almighty Yahweh at His commanded Moedim.

Debarim 1:1 These are the words which Moshe spoke to all Yisrael beyond the Yarden in the wilderness, in the desert plain opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, and Laban and Hatseroth, and Di Zahab.

After a brief account of Israel's physical location and journeys, Moshe finally addresses his people from the very depths of his heart. It is obvious that he is, some what reservedly, unleashing years of pent up frustration with the inconsistent and often lackadaisical behavior of the people. In verse 12, just before giving them sound direction regarding what they need to do to correct themselves and keep themselves in check, he vents his justifiable frustration by saying: 12. How do I bear your pressure and your burden and your strife, by myself?

After four decades of leading the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness, Mosheh addresses his true feelings. He tells the people exactly what is on his mind. Admittedly, 40 years is a long time to wait – to allow frustrations to build up, hoping they will just somehow disappear. There is of course a lesson here for us. There are times we must learn to just “unleash,” to really give people a piece of our minds – to tell them just what it is about them or their behavior that bugs us. However, the real lesson here is the Mosheh held himself in check for a long time. Some people then to “shoot from the hip,” just letting go the instant someone seems to cross them.

On the other hand we must use caution. Such behavior can be reactive. By waiting a while and giving some the benefit of the doubt, or by temporarily overlooking minor offenses or potential conflicts, we can avoid reactive, often hurtful emotional railings. We have all been guilty of sometimes “lashing out.” After all, we are only human and none of us can measure up to the stature of Moshe. However, in all fairness, Mosheh is being proactive, not reactive. While it is almost always best, if possible, to hold off speaking until our speaking can be more or less objective and free of emotion, especially blind anger, there are times when we must just let go and speak our minds.

In verse 13 and 15, Mosheh, knowing that his time of leadership is fast coming to an end, institutes a system of judges to lead and rule Yisrael.

Choose men, wise and understanding, and known to your tribes, and let me appoint them as your heads.

We may note that although these leaders were initially chosen by the people, final approval was given by Mosheh himself. The leaders were appointed, not elected. They were chosen for their wisdom and understanding. These positive character traits were recognized by the people, and by Mosheh himself, because the men chosen were trusted and respected by all.

Despite their impeccable character, the chosen judges are reminded to judge fairly and objectively, never with a personal agenda.

Note from mellow roc, may we be like the judges in our dealings with others in
our lives.
David