Thought of The Week
Nitzavim Va’yelech 4^th Sep. 2010

This week’s 2nd Parashah – Va’yelech is one of the sadder ones, since it is the one where Moses bids his farewell and prepares to pass from this world.

The message which he leaves with us is a very appropriate one for Rosh Hashanah which we will usher towards the end of next week.

Moses offers his people his last piece of advice – imploring them to be “strong and courageous”.

Since we have challenges to face and threats to overcome throughout our lives and history, it makes sense to urge people to be strong. However, when would we have to be courageous? Why did Moses makes it to the top two summonses on his list?
Moses urges his people to “be strong” with the commitments they have now, and to “be courageous” in growing spiritually and always move forward.

Always look to learn something new about being a Jew.

Always try to do things better.

Always be courageous enough to correct yourself when you are wrong.

As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur draw nearer and the days of preparations for it pass by, Moses’ message becomes even more personal to all of us: Be strong with all those good things that you do, and be courageous with all those things that you SHOULD do!