In another delightfully short aliyah - not delightful because it's short but because it is so sweet and powerful in its brevity - we get an extremely important lesson in history as well as words that, one day, I hope to learn by heart.
It's funny how often the Jewish people are needed reminders of G-d's greatness. First, Moshe leads with an example of how - just a few months ago (I'm guessing), B'nei Yisrael and H' defeated Sichon and Og; these "giants" were "delivered" to Yisrael and the nation did exactly as they were commanded - smashing, so the commentaries say, every last vestige of their idolatrous ways. An incredible battle.
But how does life work? I once heard - and I believe it was in reference to Yaakov Avinu - that Yaakov was afraid that he had used up all of his good and powerful deeds, and surely that soon the other shoe would be dropping. (I often feel this way, that I'm "due" for a major loss or setback - a totally self-defeating and self-limiting viewpoint, not to mention completely against Torah values so long as I am fulfilling my end of the bargain.) Regardless, it's good to know that I'm in good company with our forefather but also, implicitly, in regards to this nation about to cross - that they, too, needed to be reminded not only that they had just knocked off two of their most major adversaries but also that the fun wouldn't end there - so long as the mitzvot are fulfilled, that G-d would continue protecting them, and holding them close, and not forsaking them. Ever.
In fact, the promise here is stunningly beautiful. To "be strong and courageous," and to "not fear or be broken-spirited/dismayed." We need both messages - what to do and what not to do. And we need them here today, and I won't say more than ever, just as Avraham did at the akeida and Yitzhak did and Yaakov, and Yosef and Menashe, and Amram and Moshe, and Yehoshua, and Shmuel, and the leaders and the prophets and kings and the Talmudic sages and the holy rishonim and the big-minded connectors . . . right down to this very moment in time, and to me.
Now - how to imprint the words of Holy Torah into the soul? - how if not through meditation and prayer and more and more (focused) Torah study. I feel as if a continued inscription is necessary - a spiritual seal.
P.S. - A tremendous shana tova to all. May the entire Jewish people be blessed with infinite life, abundance, and peace, and may all of creation continue to confront G-d face to face. Hearing the shofar today was an unexpected treat that is truly beyond comprehension - a highlight of the entire spiritual practice and worth it all. It is no wonder why this is the single commandment of the entire day - G-d knows exactly what each soul needs and fortunately year after year the mitzvot continue to prove indelibly life-affirming, life-altering, and life-giving.
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