Parashat Vayeilech

Bearing the ark.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

The leader of the Israelites is not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

The Haftarah selection comes from Hosea 14:2-10 and Micah 7:18-20. Ashkenazic communities add Joel 2:15-27.

Song can remind us of our authentic selves and our genuine power.

The health of the land depends on our responsible behavior.

Moses concludes his speech to the Israelites, blesses Joshua, and instructs the community to gather every seven years to read publicly from the Torah; God predicts the eventual straying of the Israelites.

Several commentaries interpret Moses's going to the people before his death.

Moses and Joshua possessed leadership characteristics that we continue to look for in our leaders today.

The commandments to destroy the seven Canaanite nations are perhaps best understood as a later generation's struggle with idolatry.