Taste of the Parsha

This week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, opens with a heartfelt moment: Moses recounts how he pleaded with G-d to let him enter the Land of Israel. Despite his passionate request, G-d says no a powerful lesson in humility and purpose. Yet Moses doesn’t stop leading; he turns his focus to preparing the people for life in the Promised Land.

He reminds them of the Revelation at Sinai, where they heard G-d’s voice from the fire. He warns them not to fall into idolatry and forget their unique mission.

The portion includes a second retelling of the Ten Commandments, emphasizing their eternal relevance. At the heart of the portion lies one of Judaism’s most central declarations:

“Shema Yisrael, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One.”

Moses calls on the people to love G-d, to teach their children, and to carry the words of Torah in every part of life “when you sit at home, when you walk on the way, when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Va’etchanan reminds us that Judaism is not just a ritual, but a way of life a living relationship with G-d that moves with us wherever we go.