Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 28:32 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 28:32 is part of the 'Tochecha' (the rebuke), where Moshe warns the Jewish people of the consequences they will face if they stray from Hashem's commandments. This verse describes the pain of parents seeing their children taken away by foreign nations, unable to help them. Rashi explains that this refers to the exile and suffering that would come if the Jewish people abandon the Torah.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from Torah observance. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) teaches that these warnings are meant to inspire repentance and strengthen our commitment to mitzvot. Historically, Jewish tradition sees this as a prophecy fulfilled during various exiles, reinforcing the need for faithfulness to Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 28:32?
A: The lesson is that our relationship with Hashem directly impacts our lives and future generations. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b) teaches that suffering in exile is meant to awaken us to teshuvah (repentance). This verse reminds us that keeping the Torah protects us and our children from such tragedies.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: While we are no longer in the same exiles as in ancient times, this verse reminds us of the importance of Jewish continuity and resisting assimilation. The Midrash (Eichah Rabbah) connects such suffering to a lack of Torah study. Today, Orthodox Jews see this as a call to strengthen Jewish education and family life to prevent spiritual loss.
Q: Does this verse mean G-d punishes us harshly?
A: No—this verse reflects the natural consequences of abandoning Torah, not arbitrary punishment. The Rambam (Hilchot Ta'anit 1:3) explains that suffering is meant to lead us back to Hashem. Even in rebuke, G-d's love is present, as a parent disciplines a child for their ultimate good (Devarim Rabbah 3:12).
Context in the Torah
The verse (Devarim 28:32) appears in the Tochacha (Rebuke), a section of dire warnings for failing to uphold the covenant with Hashem. This particular verse describes the anguish of exile, where children are taken from their parents and given to foreign nations, leaving the parents powerless to intervene.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi comments that "נְתֻנִים לְעַם אַחֵר" ("given to another people") refers to the forced assimilation of Jewish children into foreign cultures, where they are raised with alien values. He emphasizes the pain of parents witnessing this but being unable to act—"וְאֵין לְאֵל יָדֶךָ" ("there shall be no might in thy hand")—indicating total helplessness under oppressive rule.
Ibn Ezra's Insight
Ibn Ezra notes that "וְעֵינֶיךָ רֹאוֹת וְכָלוֹת אֲלֵיהֶם" ("thy eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them") conveys not just physical sight but deep emotional torment. The word "כָּלוֹת" suggests a wasting away from grief, as parents yearn for their lost children.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) connects this verse to historical exiles, particularly the Babylonian and Roman captivities, where Jewish children were often taken as slaves or servants. It underscores the tragedy of generational disconnect, where children no longer recognize their heritage.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Teshuvah, Rambam teaches that such curses are conditional—meant to inspire repentance. The suffering described here is a consequence of straying from Torah, but return to mitzvot can reverse the decree.
Practical Lessons