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Drash
for Shabbat Nitzavim-Vayelech In the beginning of this part of the Torah, Moses summons the Israelites and reminds them of the wondrous feats God has done for them on their journey to the promised land. Moses says, "I led you through the wilderness for forty years, the clothes on your back didn't wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You had no bread to eat and no wine or intoxicant to drink. When we reached this place we had to do battle and were victorious. Therefore serve faithfully all the terms of the covenant that you may succeed in all you undertake." This section of the Torah is one of the most powerful to me because we learn that God has spoken to Moses and told him that he is dying and will not cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. God also orders Moses and Joshua to the meeting tent where God appears in a pillar of cloud. God then orders Moses to wrote down the teachings and gather all the Israelites so that Moses may read it aloud to all of them because it is their covenant with God. This covenant is to be read aloud every seven years to all men, women and children as well as all strangers in the villages. Some will break the covenant and bad and evil things will befall them, so says God. Moses does what God requires of him and tells the Israelites to follow Joshua to the Promised land, he tells them, "Do not fear for God is going before you." After the terrible terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it was difficult not to desert our beliefs and choose a more violent lifestyle. Fortunately, our strong family values and Torah teachings brought us back to the well adjusted life, angry, but steadfast in our Torah beliefs. September 11, today, is a date I will never forget and not because it is my birthday. Shabbat Shalom. |
