Parashat Ha’azinu Deuteronomy 32:1–52

Dear Friends,

This week brings us to the penultimate Torah portion, Ha’azinu, (Give Ear), which begins with a dazzling section of ancient Hebrew poetry. The beauty of the words and the structure of the phrasing is like the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. In the midst of the lovely rhythm both comfort and condemnation coexist. Perhaps that is why this parasha begins the way it does, “Give ear O heavens, and I will speak, hear O earth the words of my mouth.” 

The word “ear” in Hebrew does not just refer to the organ of hearing, but also of balance (just as modern medicine would tell us that the inner ear is our source of balance). The give and take of the language is a metaphor for cause and effect. In terms and imagery that are both welcoming and frightening, we are being told of Divine mercy and punishment. We are being warned by Moses, at the end of his life, that when we stray from the right path, there will be severe consequences, and yet if we return to proper behavior there will be forgiveness. Frankly, this seems like a great Torah portion to be read on Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath of Return, which comes between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This portion reassures us that the effort we put into repentance will not be in vain.

All the prayer, all the self evaluation, all the attempts at seeking and granting forgiveness, will yield results that are beneficial.

Over the years, a good number of questions about forgiveness have come up. Not very many about forgiveness from God, perhaps because our Tradition teaches us in so many ways that that is built into our relationship with the Divine. When we deserve it, when we have worked for it, when we have asked for it, forgiveness will be granted. But what about us? Can we live up to that aspect of having been created in the Divine Image, and be forgiving?

It seems that there are two very different reasons for us to do so. Sometimes it feels like neither is easy. First, we should forgive someone when they ask for it, admitting that they have acted improperly, and commit to not doing that again. We can be cautious, wondering if the commitment is real, but the obligation is to accept the apology, let go of the anger and resentment, and move on. Thereby, we can expect the same from others we may have wronged. After all, at this time of year, this is a group endeavor.

The second reason can be more difficult. We can choose to forgive, not because someone has asked for it, or done any of the work of repentance that we may feel is required. We can forgive, not for them, but as a gift for ourselves. Carrying a grudge is a burden. It can sap our energy. So we have to ask ourselves if it is really worth all that effort. Our lives can actually be improved when we let go, rather than hold onto old, perceived slights or wounds. As we enter this new year, why not, when we can, lighten the load of negativity that we carry? We can forgive in our hearts, just for our own sake. Righteous anger, properly applied, can motivate us to make the world better. Unfettered anger, clung to, is only destructive.

I ask that we do what Moses requests of us. Let us give ear. As we listen to the words of our Tradition, let us maintain balance in our lives. Let us be open to forgiveness, both given and requested, so that on this first Shabbat of the new year, we can seek peace, pursue peace, and find it.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marv
rabbischwab@bethelsp.org