By Jisrael Yitzchak Rosenfeld
In Parashat Devarim, Moshe Rabbeinu reviews the Torah, as it is written:
“Moshe began to explain this Torah.”
Moshe explains the Torah.
In doing so, he lays the foundation for the Torah Shebe’al Peh—the Oral Torah—the realm in which we, too, are invited to contribute our own insights to the Torah.
Not merely to study the Torah, but to become a part of it.
The Book of Devarim concludes with the well-known words:
“Torah tzivah lanu Moshe.”
“Moshe commanded the Torah to us.”
The word tzivah can also be understood in connection with tzavta, meaning connection or bond.
Before departing from this world, Moshe binds us to the Torah.
He opens a doorway
through which each of us can connect to the Torah Shebe’al Peh, become part of the unfolding story of the Jewish people, and share in the eternal Word of Hashem.
May we be worthy of this privilege.
