In Song: Nitzavim-Vayelech

Image by Wiki Commons

By Martin Stone September 23, 2011

WikiCommons

Each week The Arty Semite connects the Torah reading — however tenuously — with a classic work of rock ‘n’ roll.

In this week’s double parsha, Nitzavim-Vayelech, Moses gives his final warnings to the People of Israel about the pitfalls that await them in the Land of Israel.

Leadership of the people is ceremoniously transferred to Joshua, and Moses gives the order to gather the people to hear his final testimony and parting words.

Earlier, the mitzvah of “Hakhel” is given, wherein the nation gathers to hear the reading of the Torah by the king at the Temple once every seven years. Or, as the Fab Four might say:

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