Parshat Va'etchanan

Dear STOCS Friend:

Parshat Va’etchanan is fittingly known as Shabbat Nachamu (Shabbat of Consolation). Every year, we hold onto the hope that our prayers, actions, and mourning will hasten the end of our current Galut (Exile) with the rebuilding of the Third Beit Hamikdash and the arrival of the Messianic era.

The parsha begins with Moshe recounting his many pleas to Hashem, begging to be allowed to enter the Land of Israel. Despite hundreds of attempts to "change" Hashem's decree, Moshe is left frustrated, as the decree remains in place. This raises the question: why was Moshe's tefillah (prayer) rejected?

As we previously read in the Torah, Moshe was commanded to speak to a rock to bring forth water after it had ceased flowing following the death of Miriam the prophetess. However, in his anger at the Jewish people, Moshe called them a rebellious group and struck the rock instead of speaking to it. While one might argue that the people deserved this rebuke, Hashem disagreed. I recently learned that Hashem was teaching Moshe a profound lesson about His love for the Jewish people. Moshe had no right to address עם ישראל (the people of Israel) in such a manner. Even though the people had distanced themselves from Hashem through their actions, the bond of love between God and Am Yisrael is, and will always be, unbreakable.

This is our source of consolation. Although, as of this writing, the Third Holy Temple has yet to be built, I believe with all my heart that the גאולה (redemption) is on its way. When it will come, I cannot say, but the immense love Hashem has for Am Yisrael gives me confidence that the Final Redemption will unfold במהרה בימינו (speedily in our days).

I look forward to seeing you in shul this week for the Scholar-in-Residence Shabbaton. Our guest speaker will be Rabbi Aaron Goldscheider.

Please God, let there be peace in the Land of Israel!

Good Shabbas