Parshat Vayelech
Our sages teach that the portions of the book of Deuteronomy (Devarim) actually take place on Moshe's final day. On this last day of Moshe's life, he gently admonishes, chastises and then lifts up his beloved people (Parshiot of Devarim-Ki Tavo), reaffirms the covenant with them (Parshat Nitzavim), formally takes leave of them (Parshat Vayelech), teaches them his Song (Ha'azinu), and then blesses them (V'Zot H'Bracha).
This week's portion of Vayelech opens with the narrative of Moshe taking leave of the Jewish people. The Torah tells us (Devarim 31:1-2) "Moshe went and spoke these words to all of Israel. I am a hundred and twenty years old today, I can no longer go out and come in, for Hashem has said to me, "You shall not cross this Jordan".
What's fascinating is, that if this in fact takes place during Moshe's final hours, why was he going somewhere? Hadn't he done enough in his one hundred and twenty years? Could he not have been resting peacefully, or at the very least, have the Jews come to him?
The Hebrew word, וילך - Vayelech, implies that it was not a happenstance of ending up in a random place, but that he purposefully went with focus and intent. Moshe may have been in his final hours, but he was not done. Until the final breath, he would continue his G-d given mission, to inspire, uplift, and lead.
Often in life, there are times we feel stuck. We hit a wall or obstacle and lack the energy or strength to move forward. Sometimes, it's our circumstance or our age that gets us thinking, "I'm too old for another rodeo", or "I've been down this path before".
Our teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu's life reminds us that until Hashem takes our soul, our mission is not complete. We need to keep on moving. Contrary to the popular notion that at a certain age one "retires" from active life and starts doing nothing, the Torah teaches us that we must be active and engaged until we no longer have the ability to do so. Of course, our jobs or hours may change a bit, but our vitality, engagement, and dedication does not.
Moshe's life was a life of extraordinary measure, because he just wouldn't stop going.
Shabbat Shalom
Our teacher, Moshe Rabbeinu's life reminds us that until Hashem takes our soul, our mission is not complete. We need to keep on moving. Contrary to the popular notion that at a certain age one "retires" from active life and starts doing nothing, the Torah teaches us that we must be active and engaged until we no longer have the ability to do so. Of course, our jobs or hours may change a bit, but our vitality, engagement, and dedication does not.
Moshe's life was a life of extraordinary measure, because he just wouldn't stop going.
Shabbat Shalom
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