Understanding 'Allah' is the Key to Preventing Societal Collapse - Nitzavim

In this episode of "Truths Jewish Wisdom for Today," host Rabbi D Levi Brackman delves into the Torah portion of Nitzavim, found in Deuteronomy chapters 29 and 30. He explores the profound themes of covenant, blessings, and curses that define the relationship between God and the Israelites.

Brackman begins by discussing the covenant as a double-edged sword: adherence brings blessings and prosperity, while abandonment leads to severe curses and exile from the Promised Land. He highlights the Hebrew terms used for "curse," particularly "alah," which also means "oath," emphasizing that the curses are part of a divine oath linked to the covenant.

He examines the text's transition from individual responsibility to collective consequence. An individual might think they can escape the repercussions of breaking the covenant, but the text warns that both individuals and entire tribes will face God's wrath if they turn away. Brackman notes textual anomalies, such as Moses referring to "this book," suggesting the possibility of retrospective authorship and adding layers of interpretation.

Drawing parallels to William Strauss and Neil Howe's generational theory from their book "The Fourth Turning," Brackman connects the Israelites' experiences to cycles of societal change: high, awakening, unraveling, and crisis. He suggests that the Torah anticipates these cycles and offers a means to break them by choosing life and adhering to God's commandments.

He emphasizes that choosing life and maintaining the covenant isn't an unattainable goal—it's accessible and within reach. By upholding strong institutions and remembering the lessons of history, the Israelites—and by extension, all people—can avoid the destructive cycles that lead to crisis.

Brackman extends this message to the modern context, noting that while some believe society is inevitably headed toward a crisis, the teachings in the Torah portion of Nitzavim offer hope. They remind us that it's within our power to choose a different path by consciously opting for life, blessings, and adherence to enduring values.

He concludes by affirming the timeless relevance of this wisdom, encouraging listeners to "choose life" so that they and future generations may live meaningfully and avoid repeating past mistakes.

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.