Chassidut on the Torah

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The week of Parshas Rosh HaShannah, Vayelech, Shabbos Shuva, 5761 This week's Dvar Torah is dedicated in memory of Yardana bat Sholom (Jami Marks), O.B.M. Overview Vayelech (Deuteronomy 30:1-30) opens with Moshe telling the Jews that he has reached the age of 120 and will not be entering the Land of Israel with them. He summons Joshua in front of the Jewish people, telling them that he will lead them into the land, and that they should be strong and brave. Moshe tells them about Hakhel, that at every seven years, during the festival of Sukkos that follows the Sabbatical year, they should gather the men, women and children together, and read the specified portions from the Torah. Moshe wrote 13 Sifrei Torah, one for each of the tribes, and one for the Ark. Insights This week's parsha is called Vayelech, which means 'he walked' or 'he went'. It begins with the verse "And Moshe went and spoke these things to all of Israel" (Devarim 31/1). On the phrase, "And Moshe went", the Ibn Ezra explains that Moshe went from tribe to tribe informing them of his impending passing, but that this should not be a source of fear because "The L-rd your G-d is going with you (31/6). Yesod Ha'avodah says that Moshe 'went' into the hearts of the Jews; that each and every Jew from then on has a spark of Moshe in his heart. Ilna Dechaya explains that Moshe 'went' to illuminate in every generation. The Ba'al Toldos brings that Moshe is characterized as being zealous and quick to do G-d's will. The phrase here emphasizes Moshe's continued holy haste even in his last hour. The Noam Megidim explains that a person may rise in levels of spirituality only if his or her actions are selflessly directed at benefiting all of the Jewish people. This verse demonstrates how Moshe 'went'-spiritual elevation-due to his selfless behavior for the sake of 'all of Israel.' We have much to learn from Moshe. This Shabbat is also known as Shabbat Shuva-Shabbat of Return. This connects to the parsha "Vayelech" which denotes walking. What is the connection? The Arizal explains that each of the seven days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur correspond to each of the seven weekdays of the previous year which require tshuva, and to each of the seven weekdays of the new year which through our efforts and prayers should be blessed. Therefore, the Shabbat that falls within this week is a crucial one regarding two years of our life. If we make this Shabbat special it will affect all of the future Shabbats throughout the entire year. The 'walking' of Vayelech is seen in that Shabbat escorts-walks-the rest of the days of the following week from one spiritual rung to another higher one as we are constantly working to rise in holiness. Each individual Shabbat is the day which blesses all the days of the coming week. So this Shabbat blesses all of the new year's Shabbats which in turn bless all of the weekdays of the year. This especially make sense because Shabbat is on a higher spiritual level than the holidays-even higher than Rosh Hashanah. So be on best behavior this Shabbat! Shabbat Shalom, Shaul Shalom and blessings to all the Jewish people for the New year 5762! G-d should protect all the people of the world and unite us in real peace with Moshiach in the land of Israel and everywhere! We are now in a very difficult and trying time. We have to ask the King to show His Kingship in an open and revealed way in the world, that all creation reveal its true goodness and kindness for all mankind, Amen. Rosh Hashana is the head of the year, and as we know, the head energizes and directs the whole body. So too, on Rosh Hashana we receive the physical and spiritual blessings for all the year matters of 'children,,health & livelihood'-and there is NO LIMIT to G-d's kindness and blessing. We and the Ascent staff bless you and your family to be signed and sealed for a good and sweet year with only blessings and good news for all, world peace, the immediate arrival of the final and complete redemption. SHANA TOVA, SHAUL LEITER AND MORDECHAI SIEV FAMILIES

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