Parasha Va’etchanan (And I Pleaded): Moses Pleads with the Lord

August 8, 2014 This week’s Torah portion begins with Moses reminding the people of how he pleaded with God for the privilege of entering the Promised Land, but God refused to grant his request. Rabbinic tradition says that Moses begged God 515 times, (taken from the gematria or numerical value of the word va’etchanan). Moses asked God, “’Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.’ But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me. ‘That is enough,’ the Lord said. ‘Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.’” (Deuteronomy 3:25–26)

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Parasha Va’etchanan (And I Pleaded): Finding Comfort on Shabbat Nachamu

July 19, 2013 The Promised Land was Moses’ dream, vision, purpose and goal. And after all his hard work, and all the complaining and trouble he put up with, not only was he not allowed to enter, but he had to support his successor who would—Joshua.

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Parasha Va’etchanan (And I Pleaded): When God Says No

August 3, 2012 The Promised Land was Moses’ dream, vision, and goal. And after all his hard work, and all the complaining and trouble he put up with, not only was he not allowed to enter, but he had to support his successor who would—Joshua. Here is a true test of character: not only accepting that we won’t have our heart’s desire, but also being happy for those who will, and even encouraging them. Still, imagine the disappointment of Moses at not being personally able to experience the fulfillment of God's promise!

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