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Here’s an exercise to stimulate your imagination. Think about what your loved ones will remember about you. Could it be a story or a piece of good advice? Maybe a time when you taught them a meaningful lesson? Perhaps a time when you reprimanded them? Which of your actions will have made a lasting impression?
On the last day of his life, Moshe recited a heartfelt, poetic song to the entire nation. But this was not a song in the sense that we think of a song today. Moshe’s song, Haazinu (meaning “listen” in Hebrew), was composed in a state of Divine inspiration. Its prophetic words emphasized the collective mission of the Jewish People—past, present, and future. Moshe’s song corresponded to a significant transition for the Jewish People—the change of leadership and entrance into the Land of Israel. As the next generation moved onward to new, uncharted experiences, what final words from Moshe would they remember? How does wisdom endure?
These are the same questions we must ask ourselves today. How is a message of lasting relevance best transmitted? We pass on timeless values through example. Striving to live by what we believe in doesn’t imply perfected belief. Questions fuel and strengthen us to delve deeper. Striving to live up to our ideals models continual spiritual growth.
Why and how have the ideals of Moshe remained relevant throughout the generations? The Jewish People have always been taught to revere and consult their elders for guidance. The Torah states: “Ask you father and he will tell you, your elders and they will relate to you.”
The Hebrew word for elder is zakein, which is a contraction of the Hebrew phrase “zeh kanah—this one has acquired.” As stated in the Talmud: “Rabbi Yosi Hagelili says, ‘An “elder” [zakein] means one who has acquired wisdom.’”
In a Torah community, there isn’t a generation gap but rather a connecting bridge. Revering one’s elders is an enduring Torah value that’s central to Judaism. The Talmud states: “Whoever teaches his grandson Torah, it is as if he [the grandson] has received it from Har Sinai.”
Respecting the older generations makes a tangible difference in being able to transmit values. These are not communicated through coercion or fear but by lovingly cultivating the bonds of a shared history and an ongoing mission. The Talmud teaches that even an elderly person who is not a scholar should be respected and honored because they have acquired so much life experience. Each of our personal stories of overcoming difficulties and challenges can enrich others.
But sometimes, those we care about may disappoint us. You’ll search for just the right words and they’ll fall on the proverbial “deaf ears.” We can learn from the example of Moshe to aim higher and keep speaking to the soul. Soulful communication transcends the physical body. The soul is attuned to deeper spiritual matters. The challenge is to reach the very core of the other person. Be patient and keep trying. A person’s inner essence is their soul, which is always receptive and pure.
The final words of Moshe were a seventy-line poetic song about the nation’s triumphs and difficulties. Its inspiring message resonates and speaks to us now.
Judaism’s emphasis on passing our heritage on from generation to generation is expressed through daily thoughts and actions that can transform the mundane into the holy. Heaven can be brought down to Earth by integrating the Torah’s teachings into our lives. Eventually, we’ll become what we do repeatedly. Although it’s said that actions speak louder than words, heartfelt words of guidance and instruction leave an enduring impression. What will yours be? That’s the message you’ll pass along and for which you will be remembered.
