5779 — VaEtchanan: From Destruction to Restoration

Introduction

Parashat VaEtchanan is traditionally read on the Shabbat following the 9th of Av.  In this podcast, Rabbi Michael Hattin considers the implications.

The 9th of Av is a national day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples.  Last week’s Parashat Devarim is always read on the Shabbat preceding the 9th of Av while Parashat VaEtchanan is always read on the Shabbat after the 9th of Av.  A close reading of the parshiot shows that there are many links between the themes and messages of these two Torah readings and the commemoration of the 9th of Av that serves as their pivot point.  In the end we will discover that mourning and destruction must give way to hope and redemption.

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Credits
Rabbi Michael Hattin – Faculty Host
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator
Adam Titcher – Executive Producer

Michael Hattin

Rabbi Michael Hattin is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where he teaches Tanakh and Halakha. He has rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto.

Michael is the author of multiple books on Tanakh, with a special focus on Nevi’im Rishonim. He speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish fluently, and has served as scholar-in-residence in communities throughout North America and Europe. Michael lives in Alon Shvut with his wife Rivka and their children.