בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT VA’ETCHANAN 5784
The Challenge of Accepting Divine Decrees
In our journey through life, we often encounter moments where we must come to terms with circumstances beyond our control. The story of Moses in Deuteronomy offers profound insights into this challenge. Despite his unparalleled leadership and dedication, Moses faced a poignant moment where he had to accept a Divine decree that he could not enter the Promised Land.
Moses’ Restriction and Divine Reassurance
Deuteronomy 3:26 recounts:
| 26 But the L-RD was wroth with me for your sakes, and hearkened not unto me; and the L-RD said unto me: ‘Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto Me of this matter. | כו וַיִּתְעַבֵּר ד’ בִּי לְמַעַנְכֶם, וְלֹא שָׁמַע אֵלָי; וַיֹּאמֶר ד’ אֵלַי, רַב-לָךְ–אַל-תּוֹסֶף דַּבֵּר אֵלַי עוֹד, בַּדָּבָר הַזֶּה. |
Moses, who had done so much for the people—Moses, the greatest prophet who received the Torah and conveyed it to the Jewish people (the 613 mitzvot) and confirmed to the world the 7 Noahide mitzvot with their details—was not permitted by G-d to pray to enter the land, even if only for a brief period. There are various Jewish mitzvot that can only be fulfilled by the Jewish people in the land of Israel, and it’s easy to understand how deeply Moses desired to experience this.
However, G-d reassures him. Rashi explains that the term “רב לך” (lit., “there is much for you”) means there is a greater reward reserved for Moses. G-d tells Moses that he will be greatly rewarded in the World to Come for all his efforts; there is no need for him to enter the land. G-d also instructs Moses not to continue praying about it—“to nag”—as the decision is final. Because every person is allotted a specific number of days on earth at birth, and Moses’ days were completed. Psalm 139:16 reinforces this idea:
| 16 Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance, and in Thy book they were all written– even the days that were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. | טז גָּלְמִי, רָאוּ עֵינֶיךָ, וְעַל-סִפְרְךָ, כֻּלָּם יִכָּתֵבוּ: יָמִים יֻצָּרוּ; ולא וְלוֹ אֶחָד בָּהֶם. |
The Lesson on Emunah – Faith
G-d always listens to our prayers, which is not to say that He always answers our prayers.
Rashi (Sotah 13b) notes that if Moses had kept praying, G-d would have let him, wich should strengthen all of us to keep praying.
Although Noahides do not have a specific commandment to pray, it is an intellectual obligation and also something that comes naturally to a person who believes in Him, to address G-d, especially in times of need. After all, it is required to believe in G-d and to acknowledge Him as the One who determines everything; nothing occurs outside of His will. However, asking does not guarantee that G-d will grant our requests, as He knows what is truly good for us. It is entirely possible that we may not receive what we desire because His judgment on what is best for us might differ from our own.
The reason Moses was not the leader to bring the people into the promised land is connected to the fact that each leader has unique capabilities and characteristics suited to the needs of their time and situation. When the Israelites left Egypt, they needed Moses as their leader. Now, as this new generation was about to enter the land of Canaan, they required a different type of leader—Joshua. As King Solomon said in Proverbs 22:6:
| 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. | ו חֲנֹךְ לַנַּעַר, עַל-פִּי דַרְכּוֹ– גַּם כִּי-יַזְקִין, לֹא-יָסוּר מִמֶּנָּה. |
We see that Moses does not continue with his request to G-d, and this is all related to emunah—the complete faith that there is one G-d Who has everything under control and the understanding that everything G-d does is good, even if we don’t understand it, and accepting His decision. You can train your emunah in G-d with the following tips:
1. Begin your day or activity with a blessing. Before you start your day in the morning or before eating, say a short blessing. This helps you recognize the opportunity to thank G-d for each action you take. Consider using a prayer book from Asknoah (link) to assist with this. You can also pray the MODEH ANI
2. Link daily pleasures to G-d’s love. Connect small moments of joy, such as enjoying your favorite coffee or a moment of relaxation, to G-d’s love and goodness. These moments are not a given and deserve recognition and gratitude.
3. Explore stories of G-d’s care and guidance. Read books containing stories about how G-d is actively involved in our well-being. One recommended book is “102 Stories that Changed People’s Lives” by Rabbi Tzvi Nakar (link bookpage). These stories can help you see how G-d orchestrates everything for our benefit. Also tell other people your personal stories in which G-d helped you.
4. Acknowledge your loved ones as a gift from G-d. When spending time with loved ones, remember that they are in your life because of G-d’s will. Share small things of gratitude with each other. In my class, we have a “gratitude wall” where every week the children write down one thing they are thankful for. It’s wonderful to read their expressions of gratitude and see the colorful and joyful wall at the end of the year.
5. Pray before and after each trip. Whether you are walking, driving, or biking, say a short prayer before you set out and thank G-d for a safe return home. Keep track of any close calls and thank G-d for His protection.
When you strengthen your emunah- faith through regular practice, you build and maintain your trust in G-d by expressing gratitude for the positive [and challenging] aspects of life. This practice not only enhances your overall emunah – faith but also ensures that you are accustomed to relying on G-d, especially during difficult times. By integrating these habits into your daily routine, you reinforce your connection with G-d, making it easier to trust Him when facing life’s challenges.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With Thanks to Rabbi Tuni Burton for his feedback
Sources of Inspiration
Aish.com Article: Moses Hits the Rock
Shraga’s Weekly
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Ais.com Article: Exercising My Spiritual and Physical Muscles
by Mindy Rubenstein
Breslov.com Article: Emuna Exercise
Dennis Rosen
See also the blog: MODEH ANI: WAKING UP WITH FAITH
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