Why does Moshe mix harsh rebuke with a profound sense of hope in his final speech?

In this episode, Tzvi Hirschfield and Tovah Leah Nachmani delve into Parashat Va'etchanan and into the complex layers of Moshe’s final message, where deep love for the people intertwines with stern rebukes. They explore how Moshe uses the powerful imagery of fire at Mount Sinai, the retelling of the Ten Commandments, and the enduring words of the Shema Yisrael to create a narrative that is both cautionary and hopeful. Through their discussion, they uncover how Moshe's words serve not only as warnings but as a timeless guide for resilience, responsibility, and enduring hope.

Tovah Leah Nachmani – Pardes Faculty

Rabbi Zvi Hirschfield – Pardes Faculty and Host of Pardes from Jerusalem