Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vaetchanan/0/en

Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vaetchanan

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Revelation: A "Face to Face" Encounter?

Though many people assume that the entire nation heard all ten of the Aseret HaDibberot directly from Hashem, many commentators suggest that Moshe might have acted as an intermediary for at least part of, if not the entire, experience. Which verses might provide support for each position?

• Ibn Ezra and Rashbam maintain that the nation heard the entire Decalogue from Hashem, but then fear overcame them and they requested that Moshe step in. Had it not been for their fear, Hashem would have relayed the rest of Torah directly as well. How does this reading affect our perception of the uniqueness of the Aseret HaDibberot? Is it problematic to suggest that Hashem might have a change of plan?
• Rambam, in contrast, assumes that Hashem spoke directly only to Moshe. The people listened in on their conversation, but heard merely a Divine voice without being able to decipher His words. Rambam is likely motivated by his belief that indiscriminate prophecy is impossible. Do you agree that prophecy is only possible with proper training and preparation, or can anyone reach prophetic levels if Hashem chooses to speak to them? Attempt to bolster your position from other cases in Tanakh.
• What ramifications does this dispute have for understanding the main purpose of the Sinaitic revelation? For elaboration, see The Decalogue: Direct From Hashem or Via Moshe?

Loving Hashem

How would you define the notion "love"?   What does the commandment to love Hashem entail?  Are emotions even subject to one's will? How can you be commanded to feel a certain way? 

• Commentators disagree whether the love prescribed is an emotion, a cognitive process or an action. While the Rambam views love of Hashem as an emotional longing, comparable to the love between spouses, Shadal asserts that the commandment is action-oriented and is a metaphoric way of saying that one must be loyal to God and observe His commandments.  Ramban offers a  third possibility, that the mitzvah is one of martyrdom.
• Which verses in the unit of "Shema" might support each of the above understandings? How might each exegete apply his interpretation to other directives involving love of another, such as the commandment to love your neighbor and a foreigner?  For elaboration, see Ahavat Hashem.