YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Vayelech
These opening words from our Sedra are quite mysterious, because we never are told just where Moshe went to! The Torah could have easily started the parsha with the very next phrase, "And he spoke these words to Bnei Yisrael." What does the "Vayelech" add?
There are many thoughts by the rabbis on this. Some say that Moshe physically went from tent to tent – no small feat in a community of 2 million plus! - & said his final good-byes to his beloved nation. Others suggest that he went & took Yehoshua with him, in order to impress upon the people that his successor was now to be respected & obeyed.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (who, like Moshe Rabbeinu, was born on 7 Adar!) even writes that Moshe went to die, to fulfill Hashem’s command willingly, for if he had resisted G-d's order, he would not have died at all!
But there is another practical meaning to this phrase that I believe is most apropos for the impending day of Yom Kippur.
From the moment that Moshe is born, he is on the move, a man of perpetual action. His very name "Moshe," says the Sforno, does not actually mean, "he who is pulled out (of the water);" as the Torah says. That is far too passive
for Moshe. Instead the name literally means, "He who pulls others (out from danger)". And so he will. Indeed, Moshe is known for his steadfast activism: He saves a fellow Jew from being killed by an Egyptian; he defends the women at the well; he goes back & forth umpteen times (talk about "shuttle diplomacy!") to try & convince Paro to let the Israelites go. He splits seas, he fights wars, he literally climbs the mountain – twice – in his tireless task to take a nation from slavery to salvation.
The lesson for us should be abundantly clear: We can never, ever stop moving, for any organism that ceases to move or to grow invariably shrivels & dies. Even an inanimate object must be in flux; if you don’t drive a car for years, it turns into a rusty hunk of junk; a long-neglected pen won’t write – even with a full supply of ink.
So, too, our Neshamot – like our muscles – must be continually exercised if they are to avoid atrophy. Standing in one place for too long, we slowly drift backwards, rather than upwards. We have to move! And that is precisely why the
act of atonement – in truth, a movement back to Hashem – is called Teshuva, to turn, or re-turn. Keep moving, but turn in the right direction, always towards the Almighty.
On many of our busy streets, there are traffic signs indicating that a U-turn is prohibited there. But when it comes to seeking forgiveness, it helps to remember that Hashem not only allows, but encourages YOU-turns!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
