Deut. 31:1-31
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. 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. 31:14 “Behold, your days approach that you must die.”
This parasha is read on the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (Shabbat Shuvah, or the Sabbath of Returning). Moses reflects upon his life, as we reflect on our own lives.
Moses is told that his death is near, and that his greatest dream will be denied to him. It is not hard to notice that death and dreams permeate these Days of Awe. As Rabbi Telushkin has written, “Yom Kippur is Judaism’s annual confrontation with death.”
“Unitanef tokef” is recited at this time of year, and painfully asks “who will live and who will die?” It concludes that t’shuvah (repentance), tefilla (prayer), and tzedakah (acts of charity or righteousness) can avert the severe decree. May that be the case for all of us, as I wish all a g’mar tov – a good conclusion to our observances of these holy days.
