D’var Torah Re’eh

In Parashat Re'eh, Moses, the "Faithful Shepherd" of the Children of Israel, continues his farewell speech, emphasizing the Nation's need to observe mitzvot. Moses' review of the Israelites' experience during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness is not merely historical, but primarily future oriented, as preparation for the Nation's entry into its Land. Knowing that he himself would not be privileged to lead the Israelites into their Land, Moses continued to stress the message that if the Nation remains faithful to God's will, it will inherit its Land and dwell within her in tranquility. Torah does not depend upon the Land, but the Land does depend upon Torah.
As a rule, constitutions, which guide nations, come from the people. After a national entity is formed, its leaders create its constitution. Nationality precedes composing a constitution. The Israelite experience is different: before we had our own Land, we had already received our national constitution, which guides our lives. Receiving Torah preceded our entry into the Promised Land. Jewish nationality began when we stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and accepted Torah, which is our national constitution.
The message Moses stressed prior to the Israelites' crossing the Jordan applies as well today, when we have been privileged to return to Zion, not to establish a nation, but to renew our national existence. (David Magence)

Shabbat Shalom