(It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.) — Deuteronomy 1:2
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Devarim which means “Words,” from Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22.
I once took a Bible class¸ and when we began studying Deuteronomy, our teacher stated that the second verse was the saddest verse in the entire Torah. Really? The verse simply states a fact: “It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.” How can that possibly be construed as sad?
Learn more about Tisha B’Av, the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, commemorating the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people on this day.
Since 1983, various stories of destitute Jewish people, whose names and photos may have been changed for privacy and security have been used to bless Israel and her people. Through these retellings, generous friends like you have helped feed, clothe, and shelter as well as provide medical care and heating for tens of thousands of those who struggle greatly.
