At the start of Parshat Devarim, Moshe begins his final speech to Bnei Yisrael, listing the many places that they traveled to in their time in the wilderness. The Sifrei highlights that these spaces are not randomly chosen but mark some of the nation’s most difficult moments in which they angered Hashem (Sifrei Devarim 1:1). Rashi explains that Moshe simply states the places in which these difficult moments occurred, and does not enumerate the details, so as not to embarrass this burgeoning nation (Rashi on Devarim 1:1). While many focus on Rashi’s desire to protect the nation, it seems Rashi is also emphasizing that the places to which we travel challenge us, and if remembered intentionally, have the potential to shape our shared memory and identity. The individual spaces that Moshe recounts become these markers of the stories of Bnei Yisrael’s youth, stories which shape their national memory and future as a nation.
In the Netivot Shalom, the Slonimer Rebbe teaches that Bnei Yisrael is able to grow precisely because of the unique sense of dveikut, connection to Hashem, that was so present for this wilderness generation. There was no generation like the desert generation because of their closeness to and sense of oneness with Hashem. The Slonimer Rebbe highlights that this dveikut specifically existed even in the worst of times, because where there is dveikut, there is no feeling of emptiness or lack (Netivot Shalom: Devarim, 17).
In his book, Happier, social scientist Dr. Tal Ben Shachar speaks about the importance of finding meaning from trauma, emphasizing that the goal is not post-traumatic stress but post-traumatic growth. What are the catalysts that allow our psyches to grow instead of wither after traumatic experiences? Ben Shachar argues that meaning making and a sense of connection transform our memories into moments of growth in our life journeys. Bnei Yisrael’s deep connection to Hashem fueled their ability to move forward and grow as a nation. While we know that Bnei Yisrael experienced moments of frustration, anger, and potentially even national trauma as they called out to Hashem in the desert, the Slonimer Rebbe teaches us something deeper, which neuroscience now supports: when we take the time to tend to our spiritual lives and build a relationship with Hashem, even our darkest moments feel supported and can become opportunities for post-traumatic growth. “Though I walk through a valley of deepest darkness, I fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4). With this lens, we understand that Moshe specifically recalls these spaces because they represent their ability to grow as a nation, precisely because of Bnei Yisrael’s oneness with Hashem. Moshe models himself as a narrator of spaces and connections, which become story-markers of the historical memories that bind us.
In The Door-to-Door Bookstore (Der Buchspazierer), a German film adapted from the novel by Carsten Henn, Carl Kolhoof, an elderly bookseller, hand-delivers books that he personally curates for his customers. While both Carl’s life and the lives of his customers appear to be incredibly isolated and lonely, the stories Carl delivers begin to serve as a bridge for his customers’ renewed relationship with the world. When a spritely and inquisitive young girl, Schascha, joins Carl on his rounds, their unusual friendship helps them and their neighbors rediscover the power of connection. As Carl and Schascha travel to their specific destinations (their loyal customers’ homes) each week, their collective shared stories come to represent an unbreakable bond that uplifts and holds each of the characters in ways that bring greater meaning and hope for their future.
In Sefer Devarim, Moshe transitions from being the liberator or miracle worker in Shemot and Vayikra to the storyteller who helps Bnei Yisrael connect through shared memory. Moshe’s re-telling becomes a vessel for healing, growth, and identity formation. While Moshe cannot accompany Bnei Yisrael into the Land, he can ensure that they enter carrying a shared story. Their collective geography, their movement from place to place, becomes their pedagogy; the route itself becomes the guide to helping them shape and share their future.
Moshe selects memories that will be capable of awakening their hearts, as true teaching becomes a curated call to remember. Just as Carl thinks about which story every soul needs, Moshe thinks about the story that the nation will need for its future, as these recountings will be carefully and lovingly passed on from generation to generation.
