The Song of Ha'Azinu
By: Ester Saghian
The Maharal underscores the profound significance of each Torah portion, with a special emphasis on Parshat Ha'Azinu. This heightened importance is illuminated by several compelling facets:
- The Mitzvah of writing a complete Torah scroll stems from the verse, “Write for yourselves this song” signifying a profound connection between the Soong of Ha'Azinu and the ENITRE TORAH.
- Notably, Ha’Azinu is the last Parsha that is read on Shabbat , as Parshat V’Zot Haberacha, is recited on Simchat Torah, a day that never coincides with Shabbat. This position as the culmination of the Shabbat Torah Reading cycle further accentuates its deep-rooted connection to the ENTIRE TORAH.
- Parshat Ha’Azinu encompasses the entirety of chapter 32 (gematria: Lev) in the Book of Devarim. This symbolic alignment shows that Ha'Azinu is connected to the ENTIRE TORAH. as the Torah commences with the Hebrew letter "Bet" and concludes with the Hebrew letter "Lamed."
Other Gedolim (prominent scholars of Judaism) similarly emphasize the recitation and memorization of Ha'Azinu, recognizing its capacity to purify the mind and heart.
Morah Ester Saghian is a Judaic Studies teacher teaching lower school students at Robert M. Beren Academy.