The Call to be Strong and Kind (Devarim)

Devarim, Moses’ long goodbye to his People, demonstrates Moses’ recognition that the story of Am Yisrael must continue beyond him, beyond his lifetime. This is a profound recognition that no one — not even Moshe Rabbeinu — lives forever.

Moses conducts his final speech with urgency, knowing he is the last witness, the final survivor of his generation. In this portion, Moses recounts how B’nei Yisrael (the Israelites) were treated by other nations. For example, he remembers Moav being good to them and instructs us to show kindness in return, while he recounts that Bashan was unkind, so we should not be kind in return. (Deut. 2 & 3)

This framing is crucial. Jewish history is replete with instances of being mistreated by other nations — Baghdad, Babylonia, Spain, England, the USSR, and even, at times, the United States. Recently, we’ve seen a reckoning and awareness of these mistreatments, especially after October 7th. It’s a reminder that history isn’t always linear; sometimes, it’s circular.

We have a duty to assert Jewish values like justice, which are core to our identity. We cannot be good Jews if we don’t act ethically. At the same time, we must maintain the dignity and integrity of our Jewish community. There’s a renewed urgency to hold on to our history and remain vigilant as a People.

Moses’s message in Devarim is to be kind at every opportunity but also to recognize and remember our history. Justice is just as important now as it ever was. And we must balance that sacred universalism with tribal vigilance. When someone shows kindness, we should be grateful, but we should also be mindful and cautious with those who have been hostile.

As we reflect on this portion and Moses’s words, let us remember to be both strong and kind.