DEVORIM (Deuteronomy, 1:1-3:22)/TISHA B’AV — “Dropping Hints and Lifting Spirits”

… I have a question.  Why is Moses beating around the bush?!  What’s with the hinting?  Why doesn’t the Torah describe Moses coming out with a shotguns-blazing, Fire-and-Brimstone reprimand?   Why doesn’t he say, “Listen Israel, your behavior has been horrendous!   You complained about the lack of food.  You worshiped Baal Pe’or.  You displayed a lack of faith at the Red Sea.  You listened to the lies of the spies.  You complained about the Manna and supported Korach’s rebellion.  You turned all that gold into a Golden Calf.  YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!!!”…

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Additional messages from previous years:

“Dropping Hints and Lifting Spirits”(2010)

“Back to Normal?” (2009)

“Wearable Clothes for Terrible Times” (2007)

 “Torah Talk” (2006)

“Cry, O Zion …” (2005)

“Selective Memory” (2004)

 “How Did This Happen??!! (And How Do We Fix It?)” (2002)

 “Tears of ‘OY’ and Tears of Joy” (2001)