FOR D'VARIM
CONTROLLED BURNING
On the day I celebrated my thirty-first birthday some eighteen years ago, I did something I had never done before, and have never had to do since: I threw away the pack of cigarettes I had in my pocket. I have never touched a lit cigarette since.
In truth, in the short lifespan of my smoking days, I was never a heavy smoker. I would have been termed a “light user,” or “a recreational user.” On most days, I appreciated a cigarette a mere once or twice. Nonetheless, it was still quite difficult to quit. For several years prior to that birthday, I would “quit”, only to have a lit cigarette “find me.” Before long, I was back at it again.
On my thirty-first birthday, I actually disposed of the remaining few cigarettes in the pack. I dumped the thing into the garbage, “Cold Turkey” as they say. And that was the final act of the final episode.
…Or so I thought. About three weeks ago, I attended a function during which some close friends of mine were puffing away on cigarettes. There was no desire on my part to join them in this exercise, for I had long given-up this negative habit. Besides, I know what could happen when it is even for “just one time.” Unknown to me, however, the smoke swirling around my head must have entered my system. Since that evening, the urge and need for a cigarette have returned to me. Eighteen “clean” years have gone by the wayside. I needed a drag of the drug.
I have grown up since my late twenties. I will not give-in to the urge, as strong as it may be. On the contrary, giving-in now would only encourage further unpleasant activity, proving how the previous eighteen years were an aberration, if not in vain.
The impulses and longings are, by now, thankfully subsiding. I will remain in control of myself. In the meantime, I learned a truly powerful lesson in all areas of life: No matter how “light” of a user one was, and no matter how long one has been “clean” and in control, one can never really be safe from unsavory habits. There are no guarantees and there is, therefore, never a time to let up. Urges continue to lurk, waiting for a moment of weakness and defenselessness. Reverting to a familiar place in which one allowed external urges to be in control, could easily destroy one’s good work and achievements.
The above also supplies an understanding in a peculiar episode recorded in this week’s Torah portion, “D’varim.” This portion, the first one of the Torah’s fifth book, describes the activities begun by Moses in his final few weeks of life in this world. One of the actions he took is described as follows: “On the bank of the Jordan River, in the land of Mo’av, Moses began to explain the Torah.” (D’varim (Deuteronomy) 1:5.)
Moses had been explaining the Torah for close to forty years. What happened now, in the final five weeks of his life, when he “began” to explain the Torah? The Sages of the Midrash clarify that the term “explain” means that Moses, in fact, translated the Torah into the seventy common languages of the world in that day.
The Torah was given to the Jewish people. True, the Torah is not exclusive to them; parts of the Torah also pertain to all people of the world. Still, the Almighty chose to impart this manuscript deliberately to the Jewish people through Moses at Sinai. The Jewish people were chosen to oversee it and tend to it. Besides, the majority of the Torah’s directives and stories involve the Jewish people exclusively.
The universal and eternal language of the Jewish people is the “Holy Tongue,” the biblical Hebrew language. Jewish tradition maintains that this is the language invented by the Almighty. It is G-d’s language. If so, why the need for Moses to translate the Torah into every available language? And why would this be necessary all of a sudden now, in Moses’ final few precious weeks?
The answer is about ensuring protection under all circumstances. Being G-d’s language, the words of the Hebrew language are all, therefore, holy. In the beginning, all people of the world were unified by speaking this language, as recorded by the Torah: “The whole earth spoke one language.” (B’raishis (Genesis) 11:1.) Alas, the unifying factor of the language instigated people to connive a unified force against the Almighty. Their intentions were thwarted, as the Torah relates, by confusing their language. Not being able to understand each other because of diverse languages, the people were dispersed.
Some may consider language as a uniting factor between all those who speak a particular one. In truth, language is actually the greatest separating factor among humans, since ideas and intellect cannot be shared with those ignorant of the language and its culture. The variety of languages, existing to this day, separates and divides people.
Yet, the message from our Father in Heaven for all people is in the Torah. The Torah, then, must be a unifying factor. Its divinely infinite message does not change due to factors of time, place, or language. For this reason, Moses, the ultimate teacher of Torah and G-dly leader, personally translated the Torah into all the languages (present-day languages are offshoots of those ancient ones). Moses thus introduced a unifying factor between all people of all languages. From that point on, the words of Torah continue to maintain the potential to bring all people together, despite the potential negativity of separation. Furthermore, because the Torah’s words are sacred and G-dly, the study of Torah in those languages now maintain a degree of sanctity as well, elevating the languages in which it is spoken and studied.
By recording how Moses personally translated its words into the world’s languages, the Torah is imparting a critical message: When confronted with negative elements – in this case, the potential divisiveness of language – one must realize that, unless there is a fortifying factor – Moses – to provide a shield of protection, one can easily and quickly fail. Without such safeguards, other guarded measures must always be present.
And there is one further element as well. Words carry most potent and persuasive strengths. Almost every dissonance, squabble, wrangle and clash is propagated due to words, intentional or unintentional. And almost every feeling of connection, commitment, bond, and love is similarly created, and perpetuated, through words. Wise people, who treasure their relationships with others, are always careful with their words. This may be the reason for the name of the portion, “D’varim,” meaning words.
In the slippery slope of the world of words, it is best to be always on guard, never giving in to impulses and urges. Rather, one must always be carefully in control.
SUMMARY: Impulses and urges can be destructive factors. Powerful and controlled leadership must be always maintained.