Ha’azinu – Listening Attentively to the Lessons of Life
Dear Friends,
Like many rabbis, I’ve spent years writing Torah reflections, and I’ve decided to gather them into a book. I’m still working out the details, but I wanted to share a draft for this week’s Torah portion Ha'azinu, that will appear in the book. In the book, after each reflection, you’ll find tools like a guided meditation, weekly challenge, focused prayer, journaling prompts, and a community discussion to help you connect more deeply with the portion. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Ha’azinu – Listening Attentively to the Lessons of Life
The word Ha’azinu means “listen,” and calls for attentive listening, the kind where we truly take in and absorb what we are hearing. In this week’s Torah portion, Moses pleads for the heavens and the earth to listen to his final words. These are Moses’ last words to the Israelites, delivered as a poem. He stands on the edge of his life, knowing that he will not enter the Promised Land with the people he has led for decades.
He begins:
Give ear, O heavens, let me speak;
Let the earth hear the words I utter!
May my discourse come down as the rain,
My speech distill as the dew,
Like showers on young growth,
Like droplets on the grass. (Deuteronomy 32:1-2)
The image of Moses’ words descending like rain, like dew, suggests a nourishing quality. His words, like rain on young plants, are meant to seep into the hearts of the people as they prepare to enter a new chapter of their journey. Moses knows the journey ahead will be difficult and full of temptations. His fear is whether his life’s work will be in vain. He has fought for the Israelites time and again—against Pharaoh, against enemies, even against God—and yet he wonders, Will they truly listen?
Moses knows that when the people enter the land and find comfort, they may forget the struggles and lessons of the past. He warns them not to become complacent, not to turn away from God who led them out of Mitzrayim. His words are a mixture of harsh critique and hope that the people will learn from the past and carry forward the lessons of their ancestors.
Moses is addressing a generation that never knew slavery, and yet he commands them to remember it. He says,
Remember the days of old,
Consider the years of ages past;
Ask your father, he will inform you,
Your elders, they will tell you (Deuteronomy 32:7
He asks them to learn from their ancestors’ choices—both the good and the bad—and to apply those lessons in their own lives. Emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and learning from the experiences of previous generations.
Moses’ final words remind us of our own mortality we shouldn’t wait until our final moments to share what we’ve learned. Each day offers a chance to speak our truth, impact others, and shape the future. Our legacy is built through a lifetime of engaging and inspiring others, and what we share now can live on in the hearts of those we touch.
Moses’ legacy lives on. His work was not in vain, and neither will ours be if we listen, teach, and learn from one another. As we reflect on Ha’azinu, may we embrace the power of our words and the importance of living a life that imparts wisdom and truth to all who will listen.
Reflective Questions:
What life lessons do you feel are most important to share with others? What wisdom do you want to pass on?
How can you be a more active listener in your relationships, making sure you truly hear the words of others?
What have you learned from your past or from those who came before you, and how has it shaped who you are today?
Guided Meditation:
Close your eyes and picture yourself standing with Moses on the edge of the Promised Land, gazing out at a vast horizon. Behind you are the lessons, struggles, and victories of history. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, "What is the most important lesson I carry with me?" Feel that lesson filling your heart. Now imagine gentle rain falling on the land, nourishing the earth. Think of your wisdom as droplets of rain, falling into the lives of others, helping them grow.
Weekly Challenge:
This week, take a moment to share a meaningful lesson or piece of advice with someone in your life. Whether it’s a personal story, an insight, or just a word of encouragement, speak your truth. You never know how your words might impact someone else’s journey.
Focused Prayer:
Offer a prayer for clarity and courage in your daily life. Ask for the strength to truly listen, the wisdom to learn from the past, and the bravery to share your truth. Seek guidance in using your words to uplift and inspire those around you.
Journaling for Growth:
Reflect on the idea of legacy. What do you hope people will remember about you? How can you live in a way that imparts lasting wisdom and kindness? Write about a time when someone’s words or actions deeply influenced your life and how you can pass that forward.
Community Discussion:
Have a conversation with your community, friend, or family member about the power of words and the importance of learning from the past. Share moments when you’ve been impacted by others' wisdom, and discuss how to ensure that future generations benefit from valuable lessons.
As we reflect on the teachings of Ha’azinu, let’s be mindful of the power of our words and the legacy we leave behind. Through reflection, prayer, meditation, and conversations with our community, we can ensure that our lessons—like Moses’—fall like nourishing rain into the lives of others. Let’s listen deeply, speak honestly, and continue learning and growing together.
New Music:
I released two new songs today with my band, The Protestant White Boys. The first one, "Boker Tov," will get your heart pumping in the morning. The second, "What Does Faith Mean?" addresses a question I’m often asked: “Rabbi, what does faith mean to you?” It explores the challenges of holding onto faith when the world feels like it’s against you, and how we continue to move forward with resilience and strength.
Love this musing, and a book with this format sounds great!
The book is a great idea. Go for it.