Shoftim

Shoftim continues with Moses' teaching about rules of governance once the children of Israel enter into the promised land. The insistence that any society created be based on justice and shun corruption by leaders and the avoidance of contamination by Canaanite culture is a central theme of Deuteronomy.

For jurists to be fair and true
There are things that they never should do
Don’t be blinded by bribes
Or a poor person’s cries
Justice, Justice shall you pursue

Reeh Limerick

Reeh has many themes including prohibitions against pagan worship; deliniating the holiday cycle and the importance of taking care of the stranger and those less fortunate in our midst.  It also continues the Deuteronomic theme of blessings and curses. 

Reeh

God gives a commandment this day

A Blessing for those who obey

But if you choose to ignore

Bad things are in store:

Curses for turning away

Eikev Limerick

This week's parasha continues with Moses' admonition to the Israelites not to forget the lessons learned during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. In particular, it addresses the concept of hubris: understanding that any successes and/or failures in the land are directly the results of God's reward or punishment.

When you’ve tasted the fruits of the land
It’s important that you understand
Though you’ve plowed and you’ve tilled
And your stomach’s been filled
It really all came from God’s hand

Vaetchanan

This week's parasha is the Motherlode. It contains, arguably, the most important Jewish texts in the Torah -the Shema and Aseret Ha-Dibrot- the Ten Commandments. Moses continues with his review of the journeys of the Israelites - reminding us that even though he will not enter into the of Canaan himself, we still need to remember all of God's teachings so that we do not fall prey to the ways of the land.


Eve and morning we’re taught to recite
How to love God with heart soul and might
On two tablets inscribed
To all the 12 tribes
10 Commandments to do what is right

Devarim Limerick

Devarim- the final frontier. The Moses who first told God: "I am not a man of words," concludes his life-mission with four dramatic and passionate sermons- his last words to the people before he leaves them to enter the Promised Land without him

Moses knew his life soon would be ended
His record he thus defended
Through a drawn out oration
To the Israelite nation
Reminding them what they transcended