Making sense of the sedra: Ha’azinu
Our covenant with God is essential to survival
This week’s Torah reading, Ha’azinu, is a song of 70 lines in which Moses delivers his final message to the people of Israel. Its verses are poetic and timeless, yet they speak powerfully to the headlines we are reading today — war, loss, resilience and hope. In light of the current conflict in Israel and the surge of antisemitism across the world, this parshah projects its message with renewed urgency and, at the same time, hope for a better outcome.
Moses begins by calling on the heavens and the earth to witness his words. He likens God’s teachings to dew, descending gently and silently, yet vital for life. Dew sustains the land without fanfare, and so too does the Torah sustain our people and give strength to our communities.
In these difficult days, as Israel continues to defend itself against enemies committed to its destruction, this imagery carries deep meaning. Just as the dew is essential to the land’s survival, so is our covenant with God essential to our national survival. Without a strong spiritual core, military strength and political alliances are fragile and non-conclusive – even failures. When society abides by spiritual values and respects God’s word, divine blessing refreshes and renews us.
One verse from this song is especially poignant today: “All his ways are just; a faithful God, righteous and upright is he.” These words are recited at funerals and resonate deeply as we mourn the innocent victims of terrorism; holidaymakers in Eilat were seriously injured on Rosh Hashanah last week by an explosive drone. When faced with the unpredictable prospect of stress and grief, it is expected that we will struggle to understand God’s plan. Yet Moses teaches us to trust that divine justice is perfect, even when it seems hidden from view.
Moses also warns us not to put our ultimate trust in human beings. Leaders, governments and international organisations are all fallible and can change their positions overnight. We see this today as Israel faces huge diplomatic pressure and public protests worldwide. The connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel does not depend on the approval of other nations or shifting global narratives. It rests on God’s promise to us — the same promise that has guided our people through millennia of exile and return.
Respect for political viewpoints in the countries in which Jews live is always forthcoming: we respect the democratic processes of the Western World as a blessing to secure the freedom of worship and of expression. But the truth above all else and the condition to the ways of humankind is the supremacy of God, and his word to us.
To help ensure that we do not fall victim to new narratives that erase or render irrelevant the Torah’s teaching and message, the book of Deuteronomy urges us to take on board the lessons of history: “Ask your father, and he will tell you; your elders, and they will relate to you.” At this time in history, memory is vital. Just as Moses described God’s care as an eagle carrying its young high above danger, the very existence of Israel today reflects divine protection. Despite overwhelming odds, we have not only survived but rebuilt a homeland — a miracle of modern times. May that miracle and its benefits extend to all in its midst. May peace be restored and a cessation of all hostilities be a cause of celebration in this new Jewish year, 5786 after creation.
Rabbi Ariel Abel is a solicitor and army chaplain
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
