PARASHA VA'ETCHANAN

Moshe, having recounted the historical events of the past forty years,
and given repeated warnings against the temptations awaiting the
Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land, repeat the
covenant and laws which are the relationship between God and Israel.

Moshe repeats the Ten Commandments, his speech of rebuke being strong and steadfast.  He pronounces the Ten Commandments followed by the
"Shema Yisrael."  "Listen Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord is
one".  Moshe tells us that this covenant is binding for all
generations to come.  That it will always be incumbent upon us and our descendants to observe the laws of the covenant.  You are a chosen people, to be a blessing unto mankind, as Hashem is concerned with peoples of all nations.   Therefore, it is vital that we understand that all of the commandments and mitzvot are as applicable to us today as they were many years ago.  Let us go forward today, after Tishav B'av, in a meaningful and productive manner to better ourselves and
fellow man.