A Farewell Address and the Cycle of Life (Videos)
“This is the blessing with which Moses, the man of God, bade the Israelites farewell before he died.” [Devarim 33:1]
This is the last parsha that we read as part of Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah). We actually read the last portion of Devarim and then read the first chapter of Bereshit (Genesis).
The final Parasha in Devarim is Moses swan song. It is his farewell address to the nation. Moses basically addresses each tribe and pronounces a blessing on each one.
Moses is remembered as one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history. “10 Never again did there arise in Israel a prophet like Moses — whom HaShem singled out, face to face, 11 for the various signs and portents that HaShem sent him to display in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his courtiers and his whole country, 12 and for all the great might and awesome power that Moses displayed before all Israel.” [Devarim 34: 10-12]
While Moses farewell speech it is also a reminder that the cycle of life must continue. We read “The period of wailing and mourning for Moses came to an end. 9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands upon him; and the Israelites heeded him, doing as HaShem had commanded Moses.” [Devarim 34:9]
Just as Israel had to move on after the death of Moses, so too we must be reminded not to sit in a state of despair. We must move forward in the direction that HaShem is taking us. How often do we get stuck in a rut? We have to look to HaShem and the Torah for our strength and encouragement.
This is one of the reasons why on Simchat Torah we read the last portion of Devarim and the first Chapter of Bereshit. We are continuing in the cycle of Torah - A book that never ends. It also is an encouragement to continue in the mitzvot (commandments) of HaShem.
Chazak Chazak venit-chazek” ("Be Strong, Be strong, and let us be strengthened!) …
Categories: Torah, Torah Video, V'Zot HaBerachah
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