A God So Close, and Laws So Righteous

Rabbi Shai Held

Parashat Va'Etchanan

According to Deuteronomy, Israel’s unique God has given it unique laws. If Israel will only follow them, it will be recognized as unique among the nations. Seeking to inspire obedience to the law, Moses offers three arguments on its behalf. Analyzing each of Moses’ arguments in turn can teach us a great deal about the theological vision of Deuteronomy, and of the Torah more broadly. (5775)