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Moses, in his last words, tells the Jewish nation that remembering the past allows us to learn from the mistakes of the world in order to better ourselves. This is the classic cliché, "we must learn from history."

"Remember the days of old, consider the years and generations. Ask your father and he will relate it to you, your elders and they will tell you" (Deuteronomy, 32:7).

Rashi interprets the verse: "Remember the days of old" -- what God had done to those who preceded you and caused anger before Him. "Consider the years and generations" -- if you have not set your heart upon the past to learn its lessons, consider and recognize what future generations may hold. God has the power to do good for you, and to merit your redemption and the days of Messiah.

Moses understood that we don't always learn from our past. History does repeat itself, perhaps not exactly but in similar fashion. Though "the times, they are a-changin'," and the world remains unpredictable, mankind's desires and agendas remain the same.

Moses teaches us that to follow the Torah in an unadulterated and uncompromising fashion, one can use an alternative approach to inspire himself: Focus on the fact that God has the ability "to do good to you."

The theme in the Rosh Hashanah prayers is proclaiming God's kingship over the entire universe. We start the services with "Hamelech... O King, who is sitting upon his high lofty throne." The Amidah, the silent prayer, proclaims God's complete dominion over the world. This theme is not meant to build God's ego, God forbid. Rather, it is meant to arouse ourselves to understand God's total control and to inspire us to truly have an uplifting New Year.

Even if we cannot learn from the past mistakes of mankind and ourselves, focusing on the greatness of God accomplishes the same result.

Rabbi Chaim Lobel is spiritual leader of Young Israel of Aberdeen.
www.yiaberdeen.com