Believe: For Parshiyot Netzavim and Vayelech

Can you believe it? We are approaching the end of another Torah cycle. This week we read two short parshiyot, but perhaps we should say that we savor these two parshiyot, because they are very special. Moshe, whom we have followed since he was a child, is nearing the very end of his life. He has cajoled, thundered, comforted and warned the intransigent tribes year after year, hoping they will heed God’s warning. He has shouldered the heavy burden of leadership and acted as a go-between between God and the people. His one wish to set foot in The Land was not granted him following his error in the desert. Now, as he approaches his last day on earth it is time to hand over the leadership of the people and to speak volumes in few words. Moshe tells the people to be strong, to be courageous in the face of what is to come.

חִזְק֣וּ וְאִמְצ֔וּ אַל־תִּֽירְא֥וּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצ֖וּ מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם כִּ֣י ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ ה֚וּא הַהֹלֵ֣ךְ עִמָּ֔ךְ לֹ֥א יַרְפְּךָ֖ וְלֹ֥א יַעַזְבֶֽךָּ׃ {ס}        

Deuteronomy 31:6

Indeed, these words could not be more important in this year of 5784, soon to be 5785.  In the face of tremendous obstacles and war, it is important to hear these words of hope and commitment. Just as the shofar blasts awaken us, the words Chizku V’emtzu,  ring out to renew our courage.