August 30, 2014
p. 1294 – We are joined by Doi Cohen!
Deuteronomy has to do with the creation and organization of a civil society. This parsha has to do with the identification of leaders – and how that comes about. It is more than genetics or even anointment. The concept of a responsible anarchy suggests that the process will not necessarily be smooth. There needs to be consent in some form in order to function as a leader. The construction of this text is probably late Kingdom of Judea. The Northern Kingdom has been destroyed. The unified kingdom of David is no more. All of this suggests a failure of leadership.
16:18 You shall appoint magistrates and officials.. Note how the word “justice” is repeated. This suggests sanctions that are tempered with mercy. The Hebrew word “tzedek” also can also mean innocence in a variant form. (LL: Consider the presumption of innocence in Anglo American jurisprudence.) Note the explicit reference to bribes. There is a question as to the translation here – it could be “gifts” rather than “bribes”. SF: Some commentators would argue that the beginning of justice is personal guidance so we can manage our inner cravings and drives. Justice from this perspective begins with deep personal honesty. PG: This is basic to 19th C. Hasidism. Bal Shem Tov emphasized piety rather than scholarship. It is the feeling of goodness that is the source of piety. The leader is then the individual who has the greatest spiritual acuity. This is at odds with the long-standing rabbinic tradition that the connection with God is via the text – not via direct relationship with God. This struggle is reflected throughout the history of Christianity – where the various Protestant movements (and earlier) argued for a direct connection. This was perceived as an attack on the priesthood and Catholicism. See From Dawn to Decadence by Jacques Barzun re the flowering of innovation and the impact of all of that on society.
http://www.nytimes.com/books/00/05/21/reviews/000521.21everdet.html
16:21 You shall not set up sacred posts… In establishing an organized society the question is always presented as to syncretism – the adoption of other pre-existing forms and practices. In accepting the unique practice of monotheism this had to be avoided.
17: 2 Stoning to death on the testimony of two or more witnesses. Specifically for idolatry. This was considered the greatest danger to society.
17:8 If a case is too baffling for you to decide… LL: It is unclear to me who the “you” is that is referenced here. If it is the individual it seems basic that the individual would turn to the established system. But here “you” shall promptly repair “…to the place that the Eternal your God has chosen…” The footnotes suggest that the application is here being made to priestly rather than civil intercession. Finally, what was the failure of leadership that led to the end of the united kingdom’s? Solomon had taken on the trappings of other secular kings of the time – great wealth, many wives, the final arbiter of disputes, etc. Some have suggested that his downfall came about because he allowed some of his wives to worship other Gods. See: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Solomon.html

Many questions have arisen in trying to understand and help our members, students and congregants grasp both what is happening in Israel and how we should react as American Reform Jews who care deeply about Israel and the Jewish people. There are many different approaches, opinions, and thoughts on the current situation, and there are a myriad of articles, blogs, comments and punditry for us to digest. This influx of information, at times, makes it difficult to process and digest, formulate one’s own opinion and be able to explain it to others.

In the following document ARZA (The Reform Israel Fund) has compiled Frequently Asked Questions and possible responses to those questions. The following material is both our own and plied from already existing recommended sources.

Click on the link below to view a PDF with answers to frequently asked questions. In addition, towards the end, you’ll find an “Online Resource Guide” with links to dozens of credible news sources, as well as Jewish Sources and Texts to be used for study and prayer supplements.
Arza_Update_Israel

“Adoani will give strength unto His people; Adonai will bless his people with peace”

August 2, 2014
Much of the region is coming under the control of a neo-Babylonian empire. The redactor/authors are also thinking about the experience of Israel when the Assyrians came This is effectively Moses farewell address. It is roughly the year 600 BCE.
P. 1161
11:1 These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan… The reference to the “”other side of the Jordan.” Suggests that the people have already crossed and have settled the land. Horeb and Mt. Sinai are used interchangeably – each drawn from a separate literary tradition. Note that the time delay was within Israel’s control. A journey of two week has become 40 years, See Kafka’s “Before the Law.” http://www.kafka-online.info/before-the-law.html
JB: Was the 40 year delay a failure of leadership on the part of Moses? PG: Much of the Torah can be read as a meditation on leadership. Moses offered patience as the preferred approach.
11:5 A different, more expansive vision of the land to be occupied. In last week’s portion the new land to be occupied appeared to end at the Jordan River. Here we are seeing a greater Israel ending at the Tigris. For many years it was thought that this was composed by Jeremiah. Moderns scholar do not accept that. It is suggested that there are “Jewish” communities at the Tigris – as well as the other named locations. The exile has created an unprecedented form of identity – one that is not predicated on national cohesion. They are no longer strictly tribal but they have discovered a way of maintaining an identity via their assumed history/myths. This is proto-Judaism. The new way incorporates religion and culture. The essential tenets include monotheism, some of the still evolving law and a history that has become part of the culture.
11:9 You are as numerous as the stars in the sky… but I Moses have organized you. This is a significant revision from the Book of Exodus where Jethro saw what Moses was doing and expressed opposition. See verse 21 on page 472. The criteria for dispute resolution is set forth. Here, verse 15 identifies tribal leaders as judges. A class has been established. The earlier notion is Edenic or idealist. The population increase should be considered diachronically; i.e. from the perspective of historical overview. Many biblical peoples have entirely disappeared.
11:19 Take possession of the land of Amorites.
11:22 Let us send notables ahead. One from each tribe selected. Compare to the text in Numbers which also describes spying out the land. They start with the positive features of the land but then go on to emphasize the negative.
11:26 There is a certain level of revision here since the substance of the negative report is omitted. The burden shifts to the people themselves for making a decision.
11:34 The Eternal… becoming angry… vows that none of the recalcitrant generation shall enter the land. An exception is made as to Caleb and Joshua in recognition of extraordinary services rendered.
11:41 Some enter the land prematurely and are routed by the indigenous forces.
Note that reward and punishment are joined. You won’t go into the land but you children will.