A Thought on Parshas Ki Savo
A Thought on Parshas Ki Savo
"...has'kes u'sh'ma Yisroel..."
"... be attentive and hear this, Israel..." (27:9)
There are well known passages where the Torah bids us to listen to HaShem. We know about "Sh'ma" and the commandments which require us to hear His words. Our verse has a different twist. "Has'kes" is not a common word, and means "be attentive" or "be silent" or "push yourself." It's appearance here begs clarification.
For many months, our Parsha Thoughts have examined verses where the interpretations of the Rambam and the Rosh parallel and have similar insights. This week, we will see two differing views.
The Rambam (Moreh HaNevuchim 3:33) understands this double expression of has'kes u'sh'ma as a gentle prompting to be receptive and flexible. He writes that included in the "goals of the Torah" is that Jews get past their stubbornness and arrogance and develop an open-minded flexibility. HaShem wants us to learn to listen and to be receptive about that which is important. He wants us to be settled and clear as to what our priorities are, so that when words of value come our way, we will be receptive. This is the emphasis of has'kes.
The Rosh sees in the word has'kes the letters chof and tof. This means that the word is related to the word kita which means a group or class. The manner in which a Jew is meant to hear the words of Torah is to formulate classes, or study partners. Involving our peers with the process of listening to Torah will help shape our hearts and minds to value its words and lessons. "Hearing" does not end with my being receptive at a personal level. It also involves explaining, pondering, analyzing and conjoint investment in the process of integrating its endless teachings.
According to the Rambam, then, the Torah wants us to integrate and adhere to the Torah by molding our way of hearing. We need to develop a receptive fascination for its words so that they take on meaning and value for us. According to the Rosh, it is also the way in which we process those words which is key. My view and perception is not sufficient. It is the ongoing sharing of Torah which helps us refine and reshape our grasp so that my subjective understanding of Torah can also match the objective or consensual comprehension of what HaShem wants of us.
Have a receptive Shabbos. D Fox
"...has'kes u'sh'ma Yisroel..."
"... be attentive and hear this, Israel..." (27:9)
There are well known passages where the Torah bids us to listen to HaShem. We know about "Sh'ma" and the commandments which require us to hear His words. Our verse has a different twist. "Has'kes" is not a common word, and means "be attentive" or "be silent" or "push yourself." It's appearance here begs clarification.
For many months, our Parsha Thoughts have examined verses where the interpretations of the Rambam and the Rosh parallel and have similar insights. This week, we will see two differing views.
The Rambam (Moreh HaNevuchim 3:33) understands this double expression of has'kes u'sh'ma as a gentle prompting to be receptive and flexible. He writes that included in the "goals of the Torah" is that Jews get past their stubbornness and arrogance and develop an open-minded flexibility. HaShem wants us to learn to listen and to be receptive about that which is important. He wants us to be settled and clear as to what our priorities are, so that when words of value come our way, we will be receptive. This is the emphasis of has'kes.
The Rosh sees in the word has'kes the letters chof and tof. This means that the word is related to the word kita which means a group or class. The manner in which a Jew is meant to hear the words of Torah is to formulate classes, or study partners. Involving our peers with the process of listening to Torah will help shape our hearts and minds to value its words and lessons. "Hearing" does not end with my being receptive at a personal level. It also involves explaining, pondering, analyzing and conjoint investment in the process of integrating its endless teachings.
According to the Rambam, then, the Torah wants us to integrate and adhere to the Torah by molding our way of hearing. We need to develop a receptive fascination for its words so that they take on meaning and value for us. According to the Rosh, it is also the way in which we process those words which is key. My view and perception is not sufficient. It is the ongoing sharing of Torah which helps us refine and reshape our grasp so that my subjective understanding of Torah can also match the objective or consensual comprehension of what HaShem wants of us.
Have a receptive Shabbos. D Fox
posted by Rabbi Dr. Fox at 7:28 PM
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