Deuteronomy 32:1 - 32:52
What is the purpose of Ha’azinu (“give ear”), the poem that marks Moses’ final words to Israel? A literary masterpiece of poetic imagery and power, Ha’azinu speaks to Israel as a free people, and holds our feet to the fire. “Do you thus pay back the Lord, O foolish people and unwise?” cries Moses (Deut. 32:6). When we begin our Kol Nidre service this evening, let’s consider a beautiful interpretation of this verse by the Hafetz Chayim. He asks if a person is foolish why then also say that he [sic] is unwise? His answer: “people are accustomed to say that a fool considers himself wise, and I say: every wise man considers himself to be foolish.” On this night, more than any other, let us check our arrogance at the door, and seek the wisdom that comes through teshuvah, tefillah and tzedakah. I wish you all a gemar hatimah tovah, may we all be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
2 Comments
Tootie Kaplan
9/23/2015 03:28:12 pm
Enjoyed reading your sermon & your new way to meet your congregation who cannot attend services due to illness. Thankyou looking forward to reading today's sermon.
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Gary Pokras
9/24/2015 01:23:37 pm
Thanks Tootie! I wish you a complete and rapid recovery. In the meanwhile I have now posted my Erev Yom Kippur sermon under the 'sermons' tab. A poor substitute for being able to worship together, but at least you can get a taste.
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AuthorHi there! I am the senior rabbi at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, Maryland, where I have served since 2016. Archives
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