Promises, Promises

Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life
Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
Can lead to joy and hope and love
Yes, love!

—“Promises, Promises” (from the 1968 musical of the same name), lyrics by Hal David

In Ki Tetzei, we find 74 of the 613 mitzvot—more than in any other parashah. We learn about sacred laws like the obligation to bury the dead as soon as possible; we also learn about seemingly mundane mitzvot such as returning lost objects. The direct connection between the parashah and the upcoming High Holidays can be seen in the laws about making and keeping promises (Deut. 23:22-24).

The lyrics above remind us that making promises can destroy or enhance life. Getting people to trust you, but then not following through, can seriously damage a relationship. While we always  need to consider how we use language and take care before we speak, this holy season prompts us even more to consider our words, vows and promises. In the end, making promises to God and those around us—and not following through—hurts us most of all.

Naked Eyes (a 1980s British band) also has a song called “Promises, Promises”:

Never had a doubt
In the beginning
Never a doubt
Trusted too true
In the beginning
I loved you right through
Arm in arm we laughed like kids
At all the silly things we did

You made me promises promises
Knowing I’d believe

The song’s lyrics, like those of Hal David, warn against the danger of building trust in others only to then let them down. Let’s make a vow to be extra careful this year with all our words, especially our promises.