“Our Rabbis in Pirkei Avot emphasize that having a ‘good eye’ is a major goal and accomplishment in life. A ‘good eye’ allows one to be optimistic and hopeful, even though the realities of life are often discouraging and negative. One of the tests of faith in Judaism is the ability to be optimistic even in the face of overwhelming difficulties…

The words of Moses, even those hard and critical ones of Israel, were spoken with love and hope and a prophetic vision of a brighter future and the continuing protection and benevolence of our Creator… he also blesses us and endows us with the gift of his ‘good eye’ ­of being able to see the good in life and people…

It is this message of Moses that makes the Book of Devarim timeless and eternal.”