Ha’Azinu’s Ten Commandments’ Moment

These go to eleven

Nigel Tufnel

Moses, in the Ha’Azinu Torah Portion, lectures to the Children of Israel their covenantal responsibilities. In his speech, Moses raises parental responsibilities of the requirement to teach their progeny the commandments.

While the Decalogue served as a Community Code of Conduct, the Commandments did not fully lay out the covenantal obligations. Not everything is listed on the two stone tablets brought down from Mt. Siniai. The covenant was intended to be multi-generational which required continuing education.

Was the Children of Israel’s obligation to teach the laws and commandments to their progeny tantamount to an eleventh commandment? The Ha’Azinu Torah Portion Ten Commandments’ moment provides an answer. It comes after Moses finished his parting song and continued on with his valedictory speech.

Ha’Azinu

With both his Prophet role and his life rapidly both coming to an end, Moses cautions the Children of Israel: “pay attention to all the things that I testify regarding you today, that you’ll command them onto your children, to observe and to do all the words in this instruction. Because it is not an empty thing for you, because it’s your life. And through this thing you’ll extend the days on the land to which you’re crossing the Jordan to take possession of it.” Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

With this, Moses impresses upon the Children of Israel the necessity to teach their children the commandments. Given that the Decalogue included a provision of honoring one’s parents, it was logical that teaching children to abide the commandments would likely extend a parent’s days on the Promised Land. It is contended, however, that this directive was more expansive.

The Big Picture

Ha’Azinu’s big picture is the covenant’s multi-generational nature. For the Ten Commandments to reach beyond one generation, educating one’s children was imperative; it was arguably integral to the covenant scheme.

As such, even before Moses’ Ha’Azinu caution, the Torah already dictated upon a parents’ role in educating their children.

The Prior Directives

Prior to the Portion Ha’Azinu, the Torah includes passages expressing the parental need to educate their children.

In Deuteronomy, shortly after the Ten Commandments are re-told, there is the following declaration: “so that you’ll fear the Lord, your God, to observe all His laws and His commandments that I’m commanding you: you and your child and your child’s child.” Deuteronomy 6:2. From this statement, the laws and commandments are viewed as being multi-generational. Not only are is the passage talking about one’s children, but their grandchildren.

Just after this passage, there is perhaps the most famous expression concerning the obligation to teach one’s children;. it is in the V’Ahavta passage which is often recited after the Shema ( Hear O’ Israel ) in Jewish prayer. It states within it: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. And you shall impart them to your children.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

The Ten Commandments’ proximity to the educational provisions was likely not a random occurrence. They were purposely positioned; a reminder that the Mt. Sinai experience was to be multi-generational.

For many parents, educating one’s children is a daunting task.

Educational Responsibility

In modern times, parent-child relations have become ever increasingly more difficult. Many individuals have limited contact with children. With that, parents have increasing difficulty with parenting let alone educating.

Teaching children presents with two problems. First, it requires a parent to take on a particular pedagogy- method of teaching. Second, it requires the instructor to have some mastery of the material.

Perhaps the simplest solution to those two issues is that parents take the time to read books to their child. Eventually, the children can read them to the parent. With respect to the issue of mastery of the material, the proper choice of reading material should allow parents to address the matter. In some circumstances, it presents as an opportunity for parents to learn with their children.

These recommendations come from experience. As a former religious educator, I often wondered what my students’ parents knew. Most of these parents were accomplished individuals. Some of students’ parents were industry leaders; famous individuals. Despite their great business and entertainment achievements, I never figured out as to their religious knowledge. While it was an honor to educate children and complete the curriculum every year, I was always curious as to whether there was some room for improvement at home.

Again, bedtime reading material is perhaps the best approach initially. There are many wonderful books available. Free books are available at PJ Library

Conclusion

Ha’Azinu’s educational mandate is tantamount to an eleventh commandment to the Decalogue. While not part of the Ten Commandments, the responsibility to educate one’s children is not only expressed by Moses in his valedictory speech but is also in earlier scripture.

Essentially, parents actively teaching their children is required for the perpetuation of the multi-generational covenant. Given parenthood’s practicalities and realities, parents must moderate between taking on the task or delegating it others. Reliance on institutions should never be considered as a substitute for some meaningful parent-child engagement.

Be well!!

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