Devarim – Shabbat Chazon 5786 (July 18, 2026)

By Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

In Parashat Devarim, Moses begins his final address to the Israelites, retelling their history and preparing them for a future he will not share. Central to his words is the importance of listening—recalling how judges were appointed to hear the people with fairness and care. The foundation of a just society, Moses teaches, depends on the ability to truly hear one another.

This message resonates deeply with Shema Koleinu, our plea in the Amidah prayer: “hear our voice.” We ask not only that God listen, but that our words be received with understanding and compassion. It is striking that as Moses emphasizes the human responsibility to listen well, our liturgy mirrors that need on a divine level.

In Devarim, failures often stem from a breakdown in listening—fearful reactions, missed trust, and the inability to hear God’s promise. In contrast, Shema Koleinu invites us to repair that rupture by speaking honestly and opening ourselves to being heard. Prayer becomes an act of rebuilding relationships.

Moses models a leader who not only speaks but reflects, urging the people to learn from their past. In the same way, Shema Koleinu encourages us to bring our full selves into prayer—our memories, mistakes, and hopes.

Together, they teach that listening is sacred work. When we strive to hear others, and trust that God hears us, we create the possibility for growth, understanding, and renewal as we move forward.