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17 September 2015
Nearing the end of the Torah, this week’s portion, Vayelech, is about transitions. Moses, now 120 years old, turns the mantle of leadership to Joshua, saying, “Be strong and resolute, for it is you who shall go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their fathers to give them, and it is you who shall apportion it to them. And the Lord Himself will go before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Fear not and be not dismayed!”
“Don’t be afraid.” It’s something we say to our children as we encourage them to go down the slide, jump in the pool, get on the school bus, make a new friend, leave you at the college quad — all conjuring up images of standing on the threshold, or perhaps more accurately, the precipice. By telling our children – and ourselves – not to be afraid, we’re asking that faith take hold and to trust that the outcome will be favorable.
During these Yamim Noraim – The Days of Awe – we once again face a new year with some measure of trepidation. Will it be a good year; a happy year; a healthy year? Will we be able to make the changes we promised to ourselves and others?
For some it is a mere threshold, for others, a chasm. Deciding which is often determined by our willingness to take risks, to trust ourselves and God. The size of the leap translates to the amount of change we’re willing to undertake. And if we listen carefully, perhaps we’ll hear a voice telling us not to be afraid.
G’mar Hatima Tova – may you be inscribed for good in the Book of Life.
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Learn about hereditary cancer in the Jewish community during a panel discussion about BRCA1 & 2 Mutations at the DCJCC on Sunday, September 27.
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Volunteer to help Israeli organizations like Lone Soldiers and Save a Child’s Heart that benefit children and seniors on Wednesday, September 30 at Federation.
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Join 400+ young professional Jews for Impact DC, Young Leadership’s signature philanthropy gala, on Thursday, October 15.
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Have a mouthwatering Break Fast this Yom Kippur with an array of delectable dishes from Jewish Food Experience®’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food bloggers.
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