Parshas Vayelech 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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Moshe presented the nation with his final words of farewell and encouragement on the last day of his life. He told them that although he was not able to lead them into the Promised Land himself, he had appointed a capable successor in Joshua. He promised them that they had nothing to fear, and they would yet enter the Land.

He also instructed the people in the last two of the 613 mitzvos. The purpose of both these mitzvos was to help them maintain their commitment and connection with G-d and His Torah.

The first mitzvah was Hakhel, where the entire nation was required to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem every seven years. The king would read from the Torah on a specially constructed podium. For the men and women this would prove to be a most inspiring experience, both intellectually and emotionally. However, the mere opportunity to see millions of Jews in the Temple at one time, studying Torah, was so great that even the tiny infants had to be brought in order that the image be seared in their subconscious mind. The experience would serve as a boost for the nation that would last for the next seven years.

The last mitzvah in the Torah was for each individual to write his own Torah scroll, or at least to have one written for him. This Torah scroll would serve as a reminder for each individual of the eternal covenant G-d made with the people. Although the time would come that the people would forsake the Torah and fall prey to the surrounding cultures, the Torah scroll would provide a constant reminder of an unchanging standard in a world in flux. The nation’s responsibilities to G-d, and the standard to which they are to aspire, remain the same as when they were first given at Sinai. The Torah will never be forgotten, and ultimately the people will yet return to G-d and the Torah.

This message is also alluded to in the special Haftara for Shabbos Shuva, the Shabbos between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The prophet Hosea encourages the people to repent from their evil ways. Essentially, the sin is not an intrinsic part of one’s personality; thus it can be removed and atoned for. The potential for sincere Teshuva always remains, and G-d is always willing to accept it and forgive.

"For the sin we have transgressed before You..." (liturgy)

Rav Yisrael Salanter visited Berlin for Yom Kippur with his student, Rav Lazer Shulvitz. They prayed in a large, crowded, synagogue, where the doors were left open the entire day to allow the fresh air to circulate. During the services, Rav Lazer had to leave for a few minutes. When he returned, the congregation had begun the Amidah (the silent prayer recited standing). Not wanting to push others to get to his place, Rav Lazer began to pray in the doorway.

Suddenly he heard Rav Yisrael whispering in his ear, “Thief! How do you expect your prayers to be answered on this holiest day, when you are robbing the congregation of the fresh air? The doors were left open to let in the air and by standing in the doorway you are blocking the air!” This was Rav Yisrael Salanter’s concern on Yom Kippur.

Did You Know...

During Succos, the Four Species are taken and waved each day besides Shabbos. An esrog (citron fruit) is taken, as well as a bundle comprised of a date palm, three myrtle branches, and two willow branches.

Preferably, the mitzvah should be performed first thing in the morning, though the species may not be taken before sunrise. Some people perform this mitzvah in the succah, while others wait to fulfill the mitzvah in the synagogue, during the prayers.

Although women are not obligated in the mitzvah, they are encouraged to perform it.

On the first day of Succos, and the first two days outside of Israel, one must own the species in order to perform the mitzvah. However, one can give them to a friend as a gift in order for him to fulfill the mitzvah, and they can they be returned, again, as a gift.