The Doorstep of Promise is connected to the Torah portion titled "Devarim" 

"Devarim" is the Hebrew word for the book of Deuteronomy, and it means "words, speech, things, and thoughts."

This morning I read the chapter on Devarim: "The Leader as a Teacher," from Rabbi Sack's book, "Lessons in Leadership."  I highly recommend this book to everyone who aspires to be a great leader.

His insight emphasized the shift in Moses' life from liberator, miracle-worker, and redeemer to "Moses, our teacher."

In the last month of his life, Moses brought the nation together and did four things: 1. Planted a vision in their minds, 2. Planted Hope in their Hearts, 3. Shared the importance of discipline in their deeds, and 4. Imparted Strength in their Souls.

A vision that has kept the Jewish People and the nation of Israel through the destruction of two temples, exile, and endless persecution from the nations for over 3,000 years.

The message Moses imparts in the book of Deuteronomy is eternal, "When leaders become educators, they change lives."

The 9th of Av is a day of mourning in Israel and throughout Jewish communities around the world. It is known as Tisha B'Av—the 9th of Av when both Temples were destroyed, among many other tragedies, inclusive of the Holocaust. The entire nation of Israel will be fasting and mourning these national and personal tragedies as we cling to G-D, the promise of the future temple, and global redemption for all of humanity.

Watch the Replay Discussion of this Torah Portion's Chavruta session with Yoav Perron.  He shared insights into Parsha  Devarim, which places the house of Israel—past, and present, at the doorstep of promise. 

One key question discussed in the Chavruta was, 

1.  How does this Torah portion teach us to learn from the past and build a better future?

Watch episode 70, The Doorstep of Promise Replay! 

Each week we also highlight additional insights from other rabbis and organizations.  Since we are beginning a new book of the Torah, it seemed fitting to include this summary by Rabbi Sacks. 

Check out this excellent introduction to the book of Devarim by Rabbi Sacks!