Week of September 22

Our Torah portion is only one chapter, and the title comes from the verb “h-l’ch,” to go or to walk. So the opening words are “Moses sent and told the Israelites.” The focus of this chapter is the consecration of Joshua as his successor, and the responsibilities placed on Joshua’s shoulders.

Commentators ask several questions about the description of passing leadership to Joshua. Why doesn’t Moses choose one of his sons to succeed him? What is special about Joshua? Why does Moses publicly confer his leaderships powers upon Joshua? Since these questions are not really answered in the Torah text, we have to revert to midrashic sources to understand the decision of Moses.

Join us for a wonderful Torah discussion this coming Shabbat morning.