As part of the regular cycle of matching Torah readings to the number of Shabbatot available for regular readings in a year (which takes into account leap years, holidays falling on Shabbat, etc.) this week we have the double parsha of Netzavim-Vayeilech. Each on their own, they're pretty
short. Netzavim is only 40 pasukim (verses.) One thing I noted as I read through those pasukim, is how often I read the word "heart." Heart actually is read 10 times. Most of these references are about the fullness of love you will give to God, although there are a few that talk about what happens if you allow your heart to go astray and you worship other Gods. (spoiler alert - it's NOT GOOD!)
One particular "heart" verse worth looking at is Dvarim 30:6
וּמָ֨ל יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ אֶת־לְבָבְךָ֖ וְאֶת־לְבַ֣ב זַרְעֶ֑ךָ לְאַהֲבָ֞ה אֶת־יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ בְּכׇל־לְבָבְךָ֥ וּבְכׇל־נַפְשְׁךָ֖ לְמַ֥עַן חַיֶּֽיךָ׃
Then your God יהוה will open up your heart and the hearts of your offspring—to love your God יהוה with all your heart and soul, in order that you may live.
In this translation, the 2006 JPS, the verb "מָ֨ל" is written as open up. However, there are other takes on this verse and they use a word that gets attention...circumcise. It's the same shoresh (root) as milah, as in brit milah, so circumcise makes sense. So, what does it mean to circumcise your heart? One idea from Onkelos is that means to remove the foolishness from, others reflect some sort of limit on lustful behavior or poor choices that are driven by base desires. Finally, Steinsaltz says that God will "remove the layers of insensitivity that obstruct your heart." I think
that this time of year, when we should be doing a deep dive of looking inward is a good time to read about removing the layers of insensitivity that obstruct your heart. To draw attention to all of these heart references and what it means for us and our introspection, I'm thinking of simple sugar cookies with heart-shaped cookie cutters and red or pink sugar sprinkles.
At the very start of our second parsha, Vayeilech, Moshe says "I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the Lord has said to me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan." When we wish someone a happy birthday we often say "Ad me’ah v’esrim - עַד מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים, Until 120 (years)" and one of the explanations for this blessing is that we should strive to
be like Moshe who when he died it says “. . . his eyes had not dimmed, nor had his strength waned.” So while Moshe is old, he's not that old. In honor of Moshe's advanced age, but continuing strength, I wanted to take a food that's traditionally thought of us "old people food" and make it modern and spirite. I found this great side dish of Prunes, Cauliflower, Sun Dried Tomatoes + Chili.
Shabbat Shalom & B'Tayavon!
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