Monday

In this week’s reading, we see the torch of Israel being passed from one generation to the next before they enter the Promised Land (remember the verdict God handed down to the rebellious generation in Num. 14). This is done, most symbolically, in the leadership of the Israelites being handed from Moses to Joshua. This new generation, with Joshua at the helm, tastes their first victories in battles with regional city-states on the east side of the Jordan River, an area called Moab.

However, Moses’ role is not yet done. You will also open the book of Deuteronomy this week, which is a collection of teachings by Moses that adapts the laws given at Mt. Sinai. He reshapes the covenant laws to address this new generation about to go into the Promised Land. His wise words provide inspiring promises to the Israelites if they keep the covenant laws, and he offers sobering warnings of what will happen if they do not.

Pay Special Attention: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, commonly called “the Shema,” became a prayer in Jewish tradition that was uttered twice a day. This practice continues on today, thousands of years later.