Dvarim

The second commandment is not to make for ourselves any molten image; The Rebbe of Kutzk's explanation; A striking example from a story told in the Talmud.

Moshe rabeinu's final speech to Bnei Yisrael.

Moshe rabeinu prayes to enter Erets Yisrael; Two reasons for Hashem's refusal; Moshe's will to sacrifice to enter Eretz Yisrael.

On the one hand, Israel is the bride, and the Written Torah is the groom, influencing the bride with its Divine wisdom. On the other hand, the Oral Torah is given over to the Jewish people like a bride, to be learned, taught, developed, expanded upon, and beautified.

One who places his trust in the Almighty will also arm and train his soldiers on a fitting spiritual and moral level. He understands that this is what decides - no less, and even more - the outcome of the battle.

Certainly anybody who is capable of waging war on evil, is obligated to do so with all of his might. Yet, before engaging in this struggle - as just and as necessary as it may be - it is best to begin with words of peace.

Never to despair . Moshe's last day. Moshe's lesson for all the generations.