Sermon on Parshat Ha azinu

Erev Tov Haverim, Shabbat Shalom.

Today we will reflect on Parshat Ha'azinu — one of the last portions of the Torah, but undoubtedly one of the deepest and most spiritually profound. This portion is not just a story; it is one of the nine songs mentioned in the Tanakh. Like all the other songs, it carries a special power and is addressed to everyone — not just the people of Israel in Moses' time, but to every generation.

The portion begins with powerful words: "Listen, O heavens, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth" (Deuteronomy 32:1). Moses, who lived through all the ups and downs with the people of Israel, offers them his final song before leaving this world. He calls upon the heavens and the earth to bear witness to his words. This is not just poetic language; the heavens and the earth are eternal witnesses that will remain with us throughout the generations. But what is so important that Moses wants to convey?

Love and Keeping the Commandments

The main idea of this portion is the love of Hashem for His people. But this love is not simple or superficial. It demands effort and responsibility from us. Moses reminds us: "Keep the Torah, observe the commandments." Hashem gave us the Torah not to limit our freedom but to guide us towards true blessing, towards a full and meaningful life. We are constantly faced with a choice: to follow the path of Torah and receive blessings, or to deviate from it and face difficulties that may seem like curses at first glance. But even the curses are expressions of Hashem’s love.

Curses as Blessings in Disguise

In Parshat Ha'azinu, Moses delivers a poetic and profound message to the people of Israel, reminding them of both the blessings and consequences of their choices. While some of the words may seem harsh, they are not curses in the traditional sense, but rather expressions of divine love and guidance. The trials and challenges described in this portion serve as reminders for the people to return to Hashem, to follow His ways, and to recognize that even hardship has a higher purpose.

There is a famous story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe and his son, the Mitteler Rebbe, which reflects this idea. When the Mitteler Rebbe heard the Torah portions that spoke of curses, he would faint from the emotional weight of the words, finding it difficult to continue his observance of Yom Kippur after hearing them. However, when his father, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, read the same portions, he said he did not hear curses — only expressions of love. For Hashem does not truly curse His people; rather, He uses these words to guide and uplift them, reminding them of the path they must follow. These challenges, like a surgeon's necessary incision, are painful but ultimately serve to heal and bring us to a better future. This is the essence of Parshat Ha'azinu — a reminder of Hashem's unwavering love, even in moments of difficulty.
The Song of Ha'azinu — One of the Nine Songs of Tanakh

As I mentioned, Ha'azinu is one of the nine songs mentioned in the Tanakh. And like any song, it contains elements that may seem harsh, perhaps even severe. In this song, Hashem tells us: "Guys, don’t be foolish, act wisely." It’s as if He is speaking directly to each of us, reminding us: "Look at what I have already done for you, and pay attention to what I will do for you in the future." This message is a call to mindfulness, a reminder that we should not forget our obligations to the Creator.

The Torah speaks to us not only about the past but also about the future. Moses, in his song, warns us of mistakes and urges us to think about our future. Hashem tells us, "I have already given you so much, now it’s up to you — follow My ways, and you will see even more blessings in the future." But it’s important to remember that even when it seems like we are facing challenges, that too is part of the greater plan.

A Sweet Year: Wishing Blessings and Sweetness

As we approach the holiday of Sukkot and reflect on the past year, we often wish each other a "good and sweet year." But why do we specifically say "sweet"? After all, we believe that everything Hashem gives us is already good. The sweetness is an addition to this goodness. We ask Hashem that all the blessings He gives us should not only be good on a spiritual level but that we should also physically feel this goodness. We want it to be clear, and tangible, and that we feel the joy and sweetness of these blessings every day.

Conclusion

Friends, Parshat Ha'azinu reminds us of our connection with the Creator, of the fact that every word of the Torah is a guide for action, for living a righteous and mindful life. Hashem never leaves us, even when we find it difficult to understand His plans. He is always with us, supporting us and leading us to a better future. May our commitment to following His commandments bring us not only blessings but also sweetness in every day of our lives.

I cannot conclude without acknowledging my spiritual mentors who have helped me in preparing this sermon. I am grateful to Rabbi Zalman Liberow, the grandson of the well-known Chassid Mendel Futerfas, the Chief Rabbi of the 11th Brighton Synagogue Natan Arister, and Rabbanit Natalya Shiryaeva. These remarkable individuals have guided me and offered wise counsel. Their contribution is invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for their support and mentorship.

I wish you all a good and sweet year. May Hashem's blessings be visible and felt in our lives, and may we always remember that every day is a new opportunity to make the right choice and walk the path of the Torah. Amen.