The Long Farewell...Continued

Parshat Vayelech
Deuteronomy 31:1-30

Synopsis

Moses explains to the people that he is old and is no longer able to be an active leader.  He appoints Joshua to be the next leader of Israel.

Moses completes the writings of the Teaching.  He gives it to the Levites, who carried the Ark, and to all the elders of Israel.  He charges them to read this Teaching every seventh year at the Feast of Booths.

God tells Moses and Joshua that the people will rebel shortly after Moses' death.  God instructs Moses to write down a poem that will serve as a witness, warning the people.

The portion closes as Moses prepares to recite the poem to the whole congregation of Israel.

Some questions for your dinner table:

1. At the end of Vayelech, Moses gives the Teaching (the Torah) to the Levites and to all the elders of Israel.  Every seven years, they were instructed to read the Teaching at the Feast of Booths (Sukkot), as a way of passing the Teaching down through the generations.  It wasn't only given to one person, but to many.  What is your role in this continuity?  How will you pass down the lessons you learn from the Torah?
2. The future of Judaism isn't based on just one person - in this portion, we see Moses starting the chain of tradition as he gives the Torah to Joshua, who gives it to the Elders, who give it to the Prophets, and so on and so forth.  Who is responsible for the future of Judaism?  What part do you plan in this chain of tradition?

And now, a Torah toon for you: