I now hand over the reins to Joshua

Sep 21, 2025, 6:00 AM

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I now hand over the reins to Joshua

Torah Portion- Vayelekh (Deuteronomy 31:1- 31:30)

I now hand over the reins to Joshua.

With this transition, Moses, as a great leader,

Does recognize, the time has come for another

To take his place, as any great leader must.

To give space to the next generation;

To continue history as it should unfold

With all that should have been learned from the past;

And all that must be done to live in security

For the nation amongst the nations.

The lessons of leadership from Moses

Stem from all which was witnessed to ensure

Nothing is lost and for all to be gained.

Is leadership up to the task of that which could be,

With responsibility, to care for a nation,

Above and beyond personal gain,

Given as a heritage for all that is Divinely sane?

About the Author

Michel M.J. Shore is a retired judge of the Federal Court of Canada and recently made a home in Israel. He is the writer of several published books and poetry collections.