Sefer Devarim and Jewish sovereignty

Sefer Devarim, the last 'book' of Torah, is also called Deuteronomy because it contains many laws* that were not presented earlier and are especially relevant to the conquering and settlement of Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel). Commanded 'lareshet' – to conquer and 'take possession' – of Canaan, the Jewish people were apparently having doubts about whether this was possible, what it would cost in lives, if they would be successful, and what they should do with the Canaanites.

Contemporary Israelis ask similar questions. Although the words of Torah guide our lives, some have a political meaning today, and may be, for some, controversial. As divine commandments, however, they cannot be ignored. The idea of Jewish sovereignty presented in Deuteronomy, therefore, is critical to understanding the purpose of the Jewish people. It is at the heart of the question: why did we need a homeland and do we need one now?

Jewish sovereignty is not nationalism as a political entity, but the realization of a spiritual mission and ideal; it expresses the purpose of the Jewish people and it is the basis for the creation of a Jewish civilization.

Moving from wandering in the wilderness to establishing a homeland, from tribal encampments to cities and from nomadic exile to permanent settlement, the Jewish people had to fight wars. At least as important, moreover, they struggle to establish a Jewish identity in the midst of foreign inhabitants and idolatry. All of this requires inner fortitude and national unity.

Unsure of their mission and whether they were up to it, the Israelites were afraid. That’s why Deuteronomy is filled with exhortations to be strong and courageous, and promises that things will turn out well if they will observe the commandments and build in the land which God promised them a society that will reflect God’s presence.

Moses’ directive is clear: take possession of the land, your inheritance from God, the land that was promised to...