QUESTIONS ON PARASHAT DEVARIM

1. Why is Parashat Devarim always read on the Shabbat before Tisha B'Av?  What connection does it have to this tragic day and what relevant lessons does it communicate to us?

2. According to Rashi, in this week's parasha, Moses expounded or "clarified" the Torah by explaining it to Israel in the seventy languages of the Nations (Deuteronomy 1:5-7)? Why does Rashi feel compelled to add this insight?  Why is this spiritually significant for Israel and the Nations?