Rabbi Moshe Lichtman discussed the portion of “Vayelech” (And Moses went) which all takes place on the last day of the great leader’s life. In it, he explains the traumatic, life-changing episode that occurred two decades ago on September 11th.
Insights from Parashat Vayelech: Leadership, Repentance, and the Land of Israel
Parashat Vayelech, the shortest portion in the Torah, contains profound messages for the Jewish people. This article summarizes key insights from a lecture on this parsha, focusing on Moses’ final day, the importance of the Land of Israel, and the nature of true repentance.
Moses’ Final Address
The parsha begins with Moses addressing the Israelites on his 120th birthday, which is also his last day on earth. He encourages the people, saying:
- God will go before them into the Promised Land.
- Joshua will lead them.
- They should be strong and courageous.
Moses then turns to Joshua, repeating the phrase “be strong and courageous,” emphasizing the moral courage needed to conquer the Land of Israel.
The Importance of the Land of Israel
An intriguing point is raised about Moses’ use of the phrase “Hashem Elokeichem” (the Lord your God) instead of “Elokenu” (our God). The commentator Ahavat Yonatan, based on a Zohar, explains that this is because Moses would not enter the Land of Israel. The Zohar states that “anyone who lives outside the Land of Israel is like one who has no God.” This underscores the spiritual significance of living in the Land of Israel.
The Mitzvah of Hakhel
The parsha introduces the mitzvah of Hakhel, a gathering that occurs once every seven years after the Shemitah year. During Sukkot, all Jews – men, women, and children – gather to hear the king read from the Torah. This serves to strengthen their faith and commitment to the Torah’s teachings.
True Repentance
A powerful lesson is drawn from God’s response to the Israelites’ future behavior. When faced with difficulties, the people will acknowledge that their troubles stem from God’s absence. However, God says He will “doubly hide” His face from them. This seemingly harsh response is explained through an insight from the Yad Yosef:
True repentance must be sincere and lasting, not merely a response to current distress. If people return to their old ways once the trouble passes, it’s not genuine repentance. This idea is likened to Pharaoh’s temporary acknowledgment of God during the plagues, only to revert to his old ways when the pressure was off.
Connection to Modern Times
The speaker relates this concept to the events of September 11, 2001, and the Holocaust. In both cases, many Jews felt a renewed connection to their faith and to the Land of Israel. However, the challenge is to maintain these commitments even after the immediate crisis has passed.
Conclusion
Parashat Vayelech, though brief, contains profound lessons about leadership, the significance of the Land of Israel, and the nature of true repentance. As we approach the High Holidays, these insights remind us to strive for genuine, lasting change in our relationship with God and our commitment to our spiritual heritage.
