He's 120

Rabbi Citrin led the discussion again this week starting a new chapter: Deuteronomy 31:1-6 but we focused mostly on Moses as a 120 year old man still in good health (Eyes undimmed) but “no longer active”. He had to hand over responsibility for leadership to the next generation. He was setting Joshua up for success!

Of course there were many tangents and twists in the discussion. As always a focus on specific words: Is it that Moses “finished” speaking or that Moses “went”? And what does “active” mean here?

And we also touched on the ethical dilemma they face by going into the new land and taking their place there by force. I wonder how this differs from the situation when modern Israel was founded. The political significance, similarities and differences are worthy of discussion.

And then there was the special message from Rabbi Marder “Be Strong and of Good Courage”.

Of course that set off more talk about words and meanings as another translation uses the word “resolute” rather than “courage”. How do these words differ in interpretation?

“May you live to 120” (as if you were 20) - an appropriate saying for this part of the Book.

Books Referenced this week:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Emil Frankl
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/frankl.html

"The Lemon Tree" by Sandy Tolan
Disturbing book and reflection on the Middle East suggested