Ha’azeenu – Give Ear

The Torah reading Ha’azeenu – “Give Ear” is the last weekly portion read on Shabbos.  The final portion, Vizos Habracha – “This is the Blessing”  is read on Shmeenee Atzeres – Simchas Torah.  Ha’azeenu is also often read on Shabbos Shuva, the Shabbos before Yom Kippur, as is the case this year.  It is a special song, which is recommended to learn by heart. (good for the businessman).  It was sung by Moshe (look out American Idol), before the Jewish nation enter Israel and just before Moshe will pass away on Mt. Navo.  Thus it was meant to have a powerful impact on the Jewish Nation.

The song contains very powerful ‘threats’ if we do not follow the Torah and very powerful and beautiful promises if we do the commandments in the land promised to us.  This is a very appropriate portion for Shabbos Shuva, the concept, to return to the correct path in life. Each verse is filled with interpretation, either for the good or for the negative.  Our actions can have a similar impact in life.  This song is certainly a reminder that we should try to select the action that will produce the positive result and thus the blessings that come with it.

Moshe stresses that Torah is our very life. Success is dependent on our attachment to Torah. Moshe tells the people that they will remain in Israel as long as they show a strong connection to Torah.

Indeed, as the Jewish nation weakened their connection, they were defeated, the Temple was destroyed and they were exiled.

We need to work on our attachment to Torah. Rosh Hashona and Yom Kippur helps us very much in this direction. Let as enter Shabbos Shuva and then Yom Kippur with the proper desire to fulfill the will of the Al-mighty. We will then merit Moshiach and the building of the 3rd Holy Temple.