Parashat Ha’azinu is the song that Moses relays to the people before his death. It is filled with symbolism and poetry. These are his final words to the people that he has led out of Egypt and through the desert for the last 40 years. People that he has guided and created miracles for. People that he has both reprimanded and inspired. 

Why then would the Torah tell us that he recited this poem together with his disciple Joshua? Surely it is the responsibility of a leader to leave with powerful parting words and an impactful message of his own?

As the Five Books of Moses draw to a close, we now encounter a very different Moses to the one we have seen until now. The medieval commentators tell us that whereas Moses previously led with might, here he was elderly and weak. His voice could no longer carry and as such he needed Joshua to amplify his words 
for everyone. 

It is critical that we understand that this is not a sorry state of affairs — in fact, quite the contrary. The people knew that Moses was a leader unparalleled. From his wisdom to his leadership, his prophecy to his commitment to the people. 

Yet, the Jews of the desert needed to know that there will be other leaders. These leaders won’t live up to Moses in any way and they will leave the nation feeling somewhat disappointed. But guide and lead they will! 

The final encounter the people have with Moses is of him in a state of weakness relying on Joshua to strengthen his words. The image carries profound impact.

Moses is seen as vulnerable and Joshua is in a position of strength. The power has shifted. It is time for new leadership and a new way of being. 

In parting this way, Moses tells the people that despite his greatness, he too is human and despite his successor’s apparent weaknesses, he too is strong. 
May we all merit such leadership in our communities and in our lives.