Friday, Tishrei 12, 5776 / September 25, 2015

Shabbat we read Parshat Ha’azinu, which is one Parsha before the last in the Torah. The final Parsha, Vzot Habracha, is read on Simchat Torah, which cannot fall on Shabbat.

In Parshat Ha’azinu are Moshe’s final parting words and instructions to his people on the day he was to pass away. He warns the Jewish people, as they were about to enter into the Promised Land, that they must adhere to the teachings of the Torah. Moshe spells out what may befall them if they do not follow G-d’s commandments.

Moshe appoints the heaven and earth as witnesses to his parting words. He concludes with, “Put your heart to all the words which I am bearing witness for you today so that you will command your children to be careful to observe all the words of the Torah, for it is your life. Through this you will lengthen your days upon the land which you are crossing over the Jordan, to take possession.”

After Moshe finished his final message to the Jewish people, G-d tells him to go up Mount Nebo, where he will die.

In the final Parsha of the Torah, V’zot Habracha, which will be read on Simchat Torah, Moshe blesses the people and then he ascends the mountain and passes away.

Moshe tells them, “For G-d’s portion, are His people. Jacob is the rope of His inheritance.

Q.Why does Moshe compare the connection between the Jewish people and G-d to a rope?

A. A rope is made up of many strands which are intertwined. The more strands in the rope the stronger the rope will be. Thus, every strand adds to the strength of the rope. On the other hand, when there are many strands even if some strands tear they will still stay connected through the other strands.

So too, the Jewish people’s connection to G-d is compared to the connection of two objects via the medium of a rope, in which one end is connected on high and the other end down below. Every Jew adds a strand in that rope, thus making that connection stronger for everyone. Conversely, when we are all connected, then even when some of us unfortunately may temporarily disconnect, they too, will still connect  through the others.

It teaches us that in order to strengthen our connection to G-d, we need to also include other Jews to become part of that rope. One should never give up on another Jew. For everyone helps one another in their G-dly connection. Jewish unity was Moshe’s final instructions to his people.

Indeed, our unity is our strength in our connection to G-d and also in overcoming all our adversaries.

SHABBAT SHALOM & CHAG SUKKOT SAMEACH

Montreal candle lighting time: 6:29 / Shabbat ends: 7:29