KNOW YOUR BIBLE Joshua Chapters 1-2
SHALOM!!! WELCOME!!! Today, 25 Tishri 5773 (10 October 2012) we begin
the SEVENTH ANNUAL KNOW YOUR BIBLE STUDY CYCLE, and with G-d's help we
will each weekday throughout the coming year study 2 chapters of the
Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Holy Writings), thereby completing the
entire NaCh in one year, concluding on Simchat Torah, 22 Tishri 5774 (26
September 2013). (Please note that our study cycle does not include
Psalms.)
It is fitting to begin the BIBLE-IN-A-YEAR study cycle now since we are
fresh from Simchat Torah, when we concluded the annual reading of the
Five Books of Moses and immediately started over with Bereishis (Genesis
1). Likewise on Simchas Torah we read Joshua 1 as the Haftara – the
supplementary reading from the prophets – thereby taking the first step
in studying the NaCh (Nevi'im, "The Prophets" and Ketuvim, "The
Writings). Today we embark on our regular daily study of 2 chapters of
NaCh with Joshua Chapters 1-2.
The practice of studying 2 chapters of NaCh daily starting immediately
after Simchat Torah and finishing the following Simchat Torah is
recommended in "Yesod VeShoresh HaAvodah" ("Foundation and Root of
Service") by Rabbi Alexander Ziskind of Horodna (d. 1794), a guide to
devotion endorsed by all streams of Torah Jewry (see Gate 6 Chapter 2,
The Order of Study).
Just as we are today commencing this study cycle, so may we pursue it
daily until we complete it with God's help. "Let no error befall us and
let us not stumble in any matter of law. Let us not call that which is
impure pure or that which is pure impure, nor that which is permitted
forbidden, nor that which is forbidden permitted. Let none of us
stumble: may we only rejoice in one another. For HaShem will give
wisdom: from His mouth are knowledge and understanding. Open our eyes
and let us behold wonders from Your Torah!"
JOSHUA CHAPTER 1
"MOSES MY SERVANT IS DEAD"
The Book of Joshua is the direct continuation from the end of
Deuteronomy which narrates the death of Moses. Prior to his death, Moses
had already said to Israel: "For I know that after my death you will
surely go to ruin and depart from the path that I have commanded you,
and evil will befall you at the end of days because you have done evil
in the eyes of HaShem to anger Him with the work of your hands" (Deut.
31:29).
