Small tidbits and Sparks of wisdom

Selections from Sefer Devarim with Commentary and Reflection

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Opening Reflection – Chapter 1, Verse 1 (אלה הדברים):

> “אלה הדברים – These are the words…”

This phrase refers to the entire contents of Sefer Devarim, the fifth book of the Torah.

Whereas Bamidbar ends with commandments relating to the conquest of the Land, Devarim opens with Moshe’s final speeches. He would not be entering the Land with the people, and so he leaves them with these last words — infused with his spirit, perspective, and concern for their spiritual survival.

The Torah lists specific geographic locations where Moshe spoke, even though these places lack monuments, markers, or visible features. The intent is to create a memory not through tombstones or statues, but through words — so that when future generations pass these places, they will remember Moshe’s voice and message. Moshe’s grave is unknown, but his words endure.

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“וְיִירְאוּ מִכֶּם – And They Shall Fear You” (Devarim 2:4)

> “You are passing through the territory of your brothers, the sons of Esav… and they will fear you; be very careful.”

Rav Hirsch interprets this verse psychologically and morally.

The fear of Esav’s descendants was not rooted in military dread but in suspicion. They assumed that the Jews, having wandered the wilderness for forty years, would now be desperate and hungry — ready to seize whatever they could.

Hashem’s command, “וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּם מְאֹד – be very careful,” is not about protecting ourselves but about restraining ourselves. We must not reinforce their fears. Instead, we must sanctify Hashem’s name through discipline and ethical conduct.

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Providence as National Testimony

The Torah describes how Hashem cared for the Jewish people in the wilderness — not just with manna and miracles, but in every detail: their clothes didn’t wear out, their steps were guided, their lives were preserved.

This is meant to impress even outsiders. The descendants of Esav should see that this people, though wandering and lacking land, were not lacking in provision. It was all supplied by God. The Jewish nation, then, is meant to be a walking testimony to Divine providence — not desperation.

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We Are Not Beggars – Final Reflection

This parashah teaches us that Hashem gives us both what we need to survive and what we need to fulfill our mission.

We are not beggars, not leeches on the nations. While we may live among them and benefit from their generosity, our survival does not and must not rely on them.

In reality, there is enough wealth within our own community to prevent hunger, homelessness, and reliance on non-Jewish systems. But that wealth is too often hoarded or withheld by those who believe their success is their own doing.

They forget that Hashem gives the opportunity to succeed — and expects that success to be channeled back to the nation, not worshipped as personal glory.

> If Torah values governed our financial systems, there would be no need for food stamps in frum communities.
There is enough money. It is just stuck in the wrong places.

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The Enduring Message

Moshe left no grave, no statue, no street named after him. He left only his words — and those words tell us:

> “You are not desperate. You are not dependent. You are not weak.
You are Hashem’s people — sustained by Him and answerable only to Him.
So act like it.”

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סיכום בעברית – Hebrew Quotation

> פן יִקָּנֵא בָכֶם – שלא יתקנא בכם. וזה הפך ממה שישראל עושים בגלות והולכים בארצות אורחיהם, כי מי שיש לו ממון הוא מראה את עצמו במלבושיו כבוד ובתים ספונים והיושבים באוהלים היו לו כמה אלפים, ומגרים האומות בעצמם, ועוברים על מה שנאמר פנו לכם צפונה. ומזה זה הוא בקראת בני שמינו ע״פ להלן (ד, כ) וזה המסובב את כל ההלקאה אשר מקצתו (במדבר כ״ד). והמשכילים יבינו לקח מוסר.

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Closing Insight – Translation

“Lest they become jealous of you” — This is a warning not to flaunt or act in ways that provoke jealousy. Sadly, this reflects behaviors seen in exile, where some Jews display wealth and honor as though it is their own doing.

Everything we have is from Hashem. When we show it off without gratitude, we arouse resentment. The Torah warns us not to turn our hearts toward materialism or dependence on foreign structures.

> This behavior, the Torah says, is the root of much of the punishment that has befallen us.

The wise will take this as a lesson in Mussar.

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