The Five Books of Moses begins with the Six Days of Creation, the Shabbat, the story of the Garden of Eden — the first transgression, consequences and expulsion; Cain & Abel, the ten generations to Noah, the Almighty sees the wickedness of man in that generation and decrees to “blot out man” (i.e.. the flood). One of the most profound verses in the whole
The portion ends is a song, a poem taught to the Jewish people by Moshe. It recounts the trials and tribulations of the Jewish people during the 40 years in the desert. Jewish consciousness, until the present generation, was to teach every Jewish child to memorize Ha’azinu. In this manner we internalized the lessons of our history, especially the futility of rebelling against the Almighty.
Shemini Atzeres (Sunday evening, October 23rd) and Simchas Torah(starting Monday evening, October 24th)! In Israel, Simchas Torah is observed concurrently with Shemini Atzeres since they celebrate only one day of Yom Tov. However, outside of Israel we celebrate two days of Yom Tov — and they are celebrated on separate days. Shemini Atzeret is actually a separate festival adjacent toSukkot. Rashi, the great Biblical
VaYelech begins with Moshe passing the torch of leadership to Yehoshua (Joshua). Moshe then gives Yehoshua a command/blessing which applies to every Jewish leader: “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid or feel insecure before them. God your Lord is the One who is going with you, and He will not fail you nor forsake you.” Moshe writes the entire Torah and gives it to
