Be strong

Vayeilech

Deut. 31:1-31:30

Précis: The Israelites are instructed to annihilate the seven Canaanite nations and take possession of the Promised Land. The death of Moses approaches, and he transfers his mantle of leadership to Joshua as his successor. Moses orders regular reading of the Law, and then transfers the written Torah into the hands of the Levites for safekeeping in the Ark of the Covenant.

Deut. 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage; be not in fear or in dread of them; for Adonai, your God Himself marches with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” 

            This parasha is read on Shabbat Shuvah (Sabbath of Return), the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  Having reminded the People that God would be with them in their conquest of the Land, Moses urges them to be brave and cheerful. According to the Sforno, a medieval Italian commentator, the phrase “He will not fail you” applies in times of war. The phrase “not forsake you” applies to times of peace. The Sforno reminds us that God is with us, in time good or bad.

            A lesson for today is thereby noted. We live in fearful times, when forces of darkness threaten much of the world, when Israel is beset by fearsome enemies, and when Americans question the ability of our political institutions to provide us with our aspirations for unity and equality. We need to remember, as this verse tells us, that God is a constant protector, during good times and challenging times.      

            When we read this on Shabbat Shuvah, we are reminded that in our personal lives repentance is always possible, because God does not forsake us.

            May God continue to march with us, may we be strong and courageous, and may the New Year provide opportunities to you, your families, our country, and the Jewish People for t’shuvah.