MOSES’ SONG – COMFORT IN EXILE, HOPE FOR THE FUTERE

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EIN GEDANKE ÜBER PARSHAT VAYELECH 5785

In the parashah Vayelech, we read that Moses wrote down “the song” (השירה – ha’shirah) and taught it to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31:22). This is no ordinary poem; it is the famous Ha’Azinu (Deuteronomy 32), where Moses reflects on the future of Israel—the temptations and missteps, but also the ultimate return and the eternal closeness of G-d.

Why a song?

The Torah tells us that this song serves as a witness. When Israel strays, suffers, or is scattered among the nations, the song will remind the people that G-d never abandons them. Poetry and music are easier to remember than prose, which is why Moses chose this form. Sung words linger in the heart and mind, making the message accessible even in the darkest times.

Exile: Pain with Purpose

The Torah predicts the difficulties Israel will face: exile will be painful and challenging. Yet, the sages teach us that this scattering has a deeper purpose—it gathers holy sparks hidden among the nations.

Exile is not only a punishment; it can also be an opportunity. Through Israel’s presence among the nations, righteous individuals can join the Jewish people or learn and observe the Seven Noahide Laws, laying the foundation for a meaningful life.¹

Converts Who Shaped History

Throughout history, remarkable converts have left a lasting impact on Judaism:

• Onkelos ha-Ger, a Roman nobleman and nephew of Emperor Hadrian, converted and authored the official Aramaic translation of the Torah (Targum Onkelos).
• Rabbi Meir, one of the greatest sages of the Mishnah, is said to have descended from Nero Caesar, who gave up his power to join Israel.
• Rabbi Akiva, perhaps the most influential Torah teacher, came from a family of converts and became a central pillar of Jewish scholarship.
• Shemaya and Avtalyon, famous teachers of Hillel, were also descendants of converts and played a key role in shaping Jewish tradition.
• Obadiah the prophet, traditionally identified as an Edomite convert, merited prophecy and left us one of the books of Tanakh.

These stories show that converts were not on the sidelines—they often became central figures in Jewish life and history.

Conversion Was Rare and Risky

Such conversions were exceptional, as governments strictly forbade joining Judaism. In the Roman Empire, the Codex Theodosianus (339 CE) made conversion punishable for both the convert and anyone assisting them. Similar laws were reinforced in the Byzantine Empire (Code of Justinian, 6th century). In medieval Europe, conversion was equated with heresy (Fourth Lateran Council, 1215), and in places like Spain during the Inquisition, it could even be punished by death. For most seekers, converting was virtually impossible.

Today

Times have changed. Although Jews remain small in number and antisemitism is unfortunately resurging in some places, worldwide interest in Judaism is growing. Many people choose to convert or study the Seven Noahide Laws, which offer a universal spiritual foundation for humanity.

The Message of Ha’Azinu

Ha’Azinu teaches that even negative experiences—exile, suffering, persecution—can hold a hidden positive purpose. Nothing is meaningless in G-d’s plan. What seems painful or overwhelming may ultimately lead to growth, connection, and the sanctification of the world.

Moses delivered this message as a song. A song comforts, encourages, and strengthens. It reminds us that the Jewish people, no matter how dispersed, will always preserve the Torah and their connection with G-d.

A Lesson for Us

We can take practical lessons from this:

• Imprint positive messages in our hearts and repeat them often, ideally in a form that is easy to remember, like a song or poem.
• What seems negative can, from another perspective, become a source of growth.
• G-d remains close, as long as we keep His message close.

As the song begins: Ha’Azinu – “Listen, heavens, and I will speak.”

Heaven and earth bear witness that G-d’s words are eternal—and they will continue to resonate in the hearts of Israel and all who connect with them.

Von Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton and Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback

Quellen:

1. Daily Wisdom of the Lubavitscher Rebbe Volume 3 p.425 ↩︎

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