Community Torah Corner - September 26, 2025

Parashat וילך is the shortest parasha in the Torah, only 30 pesukim but it’s filled with powerful messages about leadership, courage, and faith in Hashem, especially in times of change. In this parasha, Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael that his time as their leader is coming to an end. He says:

"בֶּן מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה אָנֹכִי הַיּוֹם, לֹא אוּכַל עוֹד לָצֵאת וְלָבוֹא"
“I am 120 years old today; I can no longer go out and come in.”
(Devarim 31:2)

Moshe explains that he won’t be the one to bring them into Eretz Yisrael. He passes his leadership to Yehoshua in the tent of meeting with G-d as a pillar of cloud. This could have been a really scary moment for the people. For 40 years, Moshe was the one who led them, taught them, and guided them. So they need to adjust to the rules of the new ruler. But instead of letting them panic, Moshe encourages them, supports them, and calms them. He reminds them that they are not alone. Hashem is always with them.

He says:

"חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ, אַל־תִּירְאוּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם, כִּי ה׳ אֱלֹקֵיכֶם הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּכֶם, לֹא יַרְפְּךָ וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ"
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear them, because Hashem your God walks with you; He will not let go of you and will not abandon you.”
(Devarim 31:6)

It's also a scary moment for Yehoshua. He has to fill in big shoes Moshe has passed onto him. He has to become the second Moshe. He has to be an excellent leader just as Moshe was. We can link this to our new Head of School. Mrs. Siegel came to a new position and now has the job of leading our school to become the best it can. Every role a human gets comes with challenges. You can’t push them off; you have to come at them with full force to get the best outcome.  

The Midrash teaches that starting a new position is hard, but Moshe still made sure to prepare Bnei Yisrael and Yehoshua for the future. That’s what real leadership looks like: caring more about others than yourself. 

 "ה׳ אֱלֹקֶיךָ הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּךְ, לֹא יַרְפְּךָ וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ"

Even when leaders change, even when challenges come — Hashem is still right beside us. You should always stay connected to Torah. Because the Torah is what gives us clarity, strength, and direction. Whether through learning, tefillah, or mitzvot, it helps us handle life’s challenges. As we get closer to Yom Kippur and think about the new year, this parasha reminds us: To be strong, brave, do your best, and that you are never alone.

Thank you, Shabbat Shalom, and Shana Tova!