WRJ Voices: Va et'chanan

In Va-et’chanan, many powerful lessons can be learned, with the ten commandments, the Sh’ma, and the V’ahavta in this parashah. Moses pleads with G-d to be allowed to enter the Promised Land.  The Israelites are instructed to treasure the Torah and to teach the precepts to the generations to come. Cities of refuge are set up on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in addition, the prohibition of interfaith marriages is mentioned.

One of the important aspects of this weeks’ parashah is the one on teaching and learning. Moses states why the Israelites should obey G-d’s teaching, he teaches what G-d commanded at Sinai, how to fulfill the commandments, and then explains the nature of G-d’s love for them. 

Another important aspect is the passing of leadership from generation to generation.  As a leader, Moses prefers not to give up his authority, as has been prescribed. However, once he accepts this decision, he reiterates the collective experience. This is the role of a great leader. This is someone who looks toward the future and the continuity of leadership. This person will pass the mantle of leadership to the next generation, even though it will be difficult. And in doing so, his legacy will live on.

We have been instructed to teach, not only our children but our grandchildren and the generations to come. And the next generation is taught to listen and to learn. By listening we can hear the past so that we can learn.. Listen to our teachers and our leaders so that we can learn. By listening and learning, future generations can be prepared to take on the leadership responsibility. Just as NFTS was founded in 1913, we continue to promote the wellbeing of Judaism through education and social justice. When NFTS evolved to WRJ the essence remained. The reason is that we continue to listen. We listen to ourselves, our leaders, and our past. We shall continue to teach our children and our generations to come. We will assume the mantle of leadership and by educating the future generations, pass on this mantle of leadership.

We can see the impact of these commandments in our society every day. The voice of strength, the voice of courage, and the voice of hope are all used, especially in the recent rescuing of the soccer team in Thailand. The fact that all twelve of the youngsters and their coach were rescued alive, with the last being brought out after nineteen days by a multinational team was remarkable. The boys did not know how to swim or dive. The rescue team were experienced divers and navy seals and admitted the trek was hazardous. The youngsters and their families and friends kept the hope and listened. May they continue to keep the strength as they mature. May they help to teach others the value of listening. May they develop into leaders, as their coach has, to encourage, teach, lead, and give strength to the next generation. May we learn from them as well.

May they listen to their past and learn from it, making the future brighter. May our teachers and leaders be a blessing to us and our future. May we continue to learn and to teach. May we be a blessing.

Joanne Fried is a WRJ Board Member and a member of Congregation Gates of Prayer Sisterhood in Metairie, LA.