Parashat Devarim / Chazon

Shabbat Chazon is a Shabbat on which we are called to ask what kind of reality can hold a Temple within it. The Temple in its glory was a complete manifestation of life: faith and prayer, but also beauty, music, clothing, scent, color, and splendor. The whole power of the human imagination was elevated there and became a vessel for holiness. But such wholeness cannot stand upon rotten foundations. When ignorance rules and wickedness grows strong, the splendor becomes empty scenery and the House is destroyed. Parashat Devarim, a moment before entering the Land, deals precisely with building the foundations: wise and discerning people, worthy leadership, listening, and just judgment. Before the spiritual summit, one must build a society capable of bearing it.