When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ (Deut. 31:1-2)
Torah Essay for Saturday, September 5, 2026
Where Did Moses Go—and Why?
NITZAVIM VAYEILEKH | ROSH HASHANAH
BY : WALTER HERZBERG ASSISTANT PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HEBREW BIBLE AND ITS INTERPRETATION AND PROFESSIONAL PASTORAL SKILLS
Deuteronomy 31:1 begins with the following statement: “Moses went and spoke these words to all of Israel.” And it continues with the words of Moses to the people and to Joshua as follows:
And he said to them: “I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no longer go out and come in; and the Lord has said to me: You shall not go over this Jordan. The Lord your God, He will go over before you, and you shall dispossess them; and Joshua shall go over before you, as the Lord has spoken.” (2–3)
And Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all of Israel: “Be strong and of good courage. For you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers; and you shall cause them to inherit it.” (7)
THE QUESTION:
Keli Yekar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz, 1550–1619, Prague) articulates our question as follows: “All the commentators were challenged by this “going” because the text does not mention where he [Moses] went . . . ” But before I get to his teshuvah (repentance)-centered interpretation and how it can inform our own behavior as we approach the Days of Awe, I will share the explanations of three other commentators.
REASSURING PEOPLE
Ibn Ezra (R. Abraham Ibn Ezra. 1089–1164, Spain) explains that “Moses went to each and every tribe to inform them that he was about to die so that they should not fear, and reassured them with his words concerning Joshua, stating that Joshua would lead them into the land and cause them to inherit it.” He infers that Moses literally went/walked to the people by reading 31:1 as if the concluding words “to all of Israel” refer to both the walking and the speaking: “Moses went [to all of Israel] and spoke these words to all of Israel.”
Moses anticipated the reaction of the people to the news that their leader of 40 years would no longer be accompanying them. He proactively took the initiative to allay their fears and reassure them that they would be in the trusted hands of Joshua, designated and supported by Moses. These implied qualities are ones that leaders (and all of us in positions of authority) might wish to emulate: anticipating the needs of others; offering encouragement; taking the initiative to meet people where they are—both literally and figuratively.
HONORING PEOPLE
Ramban (R. Nahman ben Moses, 1194–1270, Spain) offers a similar interpretation suggesting that “Moses [literally] went from the camp of the Levites to the camp of the Israelites in order to show them honor. Like someone who wishes to take leave of his friend and comes to ask permission of him . . . ”
In addition, Ramban indicates that Moses mentioned his advanced age of 120 years to the people:
to comfort them concerning his condition [his approaching death], as if to say ‘I am old and you have no more benefit from me . . . fear not (v. 6), for the Eternal will go over with you; He will not remove his presence from you on my account [because of my absence] and Joshua will go over before you, in my place . . . ’
Although Ramban’s approach is similar to Ibn Ezra’s, he highlights additional attributes: Moses honors the people he has led by humbly requesting permission, so to speak, before taking leave of them. How much more so should we all be cognizant of the importance of respectfully taking leave of others in a variety of life situations.
COMFORTING MOURNERS BEFORE ONE DIES
Ramban also frames Moses’s actions in relation to the mitzvah of comforting the mourners (he actually uses the Hebrew word for engaging in the mitzvah of comforting a mourner, nihum aveilim). However, Moses has not yet passed away, so the people are technically not mourners. Nevertheless, in this psychologically resonant interpretation, we can think of Moses as comforting the mourners to be! We often begin the process of mourning when first receiving news of a person’s impending death—sometimes long before the person passes away. I remember when my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, how, in a sense, the mourning process began at that very moment. Just as Moses comforted the mourners before his own death, we may have encountered people who were able to comfort their family members and friends before their own passing, helping them begin the healing process.
INSPIRING OTHERS
Shem Mishmuel ( Shmuel Bornsztain, Socachover Rebbe, 1855–1926, Poland) understands Moses’s “going” differently from the preceding commentaries stating that “And Moses went” is not referring to a literal going or walking but rather a spiritual one, i.e., he [Moses] walked into the hearts of Israel and imbued them with the intuitive potential to look at the past and the future with clarity . . . ” and that “one can also say that ‘Moses went’ means that he walked into the hearts of each and every Israelite in those generations ‘and he spoke these words’ which sets the heart right—for speech is suited to arouse the heart/emotions.”
Shem Mishmuel seems to be suggesting that Moses figuratively walked into the hearts of the Israelites via his words—leaving them with the legacy of his inspiring words to help them face challenging situations in their lives. We, too, should not underestimate the power of our words to inspire and influence others for their benefit.
ENGAGING WITH INDIVIDUALS AND REPENTANCE
We return to Keli Yekar for the final explanation of Moses’s “walking,” which combines a literal and figurative reading (the literal walking of Ibn Ezra and Ramban and the “figurative” walking of Shem Mishmuel) and focuses on the power of words:
Moses spoke to all the people concerning matters of teshuvah (repentance) which are dependent on “words.” And since a person never considers himself blameworthy and every sinner and rebellious person will never go to the wise person, the doctor, to request a remedy for the malady of his soul, hopefully he will pay heed when the wise person [takes the initiative] to go to him and speak to his heart to encourage him concerning matters of teshuvah. Therefore, [the Torah] states that “Moses went/walked” meaning that he [literally] went from tent to tent of each one of the Israelites and spoke to their hearts “these words” namely matters of teshuvah which are dependent on words.
Moses was modeling behavior by reaching out to each and every individual. In support of this interpretation, Keli Yekar quotes the rabbis from the Talmud (Yoma 86b): “Teshuvah is so great—that on account of one person’s repentance, both the individual and the entire world are forgiven.” If so, he concludes, “this [figurative] peace that [one brings] to individuals redounds to one’s own benefit” [and the world’s] as well. Therefore, “you must pursue it” [by reaching out to individuals] as did Moses.
At this challenging time for Israel and the entire world, may we merit to bring redemption to the world through seeking out and approaching individuals—one by one.
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We are starting something new with our kiddushim. On the fourth Shabbat of each month, the kiddush will highlight Jewish food from around the world. This program is called "One Of Our Own". Thank you to Monica McCormick for this fantastic idea, reminding us that there are Jews all over the world.
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********* WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY ********
In the event of an emergency, stay calm, and listen to the directions from our Security Officers. They are trained to guide you to safety.
Immediate Evacuation - If you see a fire, or an intruder in the sanctuary, please evacuate immediately. Use the closest exit at the front or back of the sanctuary. Do not wait for an announcement.
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WE STAND WITH ISRAEL |
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We have paper bags on the atrium for you to take home, fill, and bring back. The shelves are almost empty at the JFS food pantry and they desperately need our help. Just pick up a few extra items when you go to the grocery store - a little goes a long way! Thank you for helping our neighbors.
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Shabbat Shenanigans on September 4th has been canceled due to scheduling conflicts. We'll see you on October 2nd as we join with the Men's Club for "Cookah in the Sukkah"!
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Have you been here on Shabbat and seen the wonderful kiddushim Anthony, and Corey prepare? You too can have one just like it. Sponsor a kiddush for a milestone you have coming up, or a simcha you have, or just because. You can co-sponsor one with some friends and share the cost.
Give the office a call and find out what you need to do to sponsor one of our Shabbat kiddush luncheons. It's a wonderful way to celebrate something in your life with your Temple Israel family. |
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CHECK OUT ALL THE NEW
UPCOMING TEMPLE ISRAEL EVENTS
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!
Conversion to Judaism Class
Fridays at 4:30pm on Zoom
All are welcome to join in on the class
Meeting ID
674-044-866
Meeting Passcode
296993
Click HERE for the link
Rabbi Panitz's Tuesday Morning Class
Tuesdays at 8:45am
Meeting ID - 674-044-866
Passcode - 296993
Click HERE for the link
The Tuesday morning class topic is “Duties of the Heart”.
Saturday, September 5th, in person
Shabbat services, 9:30am
Selichot services, in person
at KBH, at the JCC, 8:30 - 11:00pm
Sunday, September 6th, in person
Reverse Tashlich, 10:00am - 11:30am
279 La Vallete Avenue
Lafayette Park Kayak Launch
Forest Lawn Cemetery visit, in person
12:00pm, meet at the grave of Rabbi Goldman
Monday, September 7th, in person
B'nai Israel Cemetery visit
2750 Cromwell Road, Norfolk
This has been moved to October 11th at 2:00pm
Friday, September 11th, in person
Erev Rosh Hashanah services, 5:30pm
Office closes at noon
Saturday, September 12th, in person
First day Rosh Hashanah services, 9:00am
Tickets required
Babysitting available
Evening Zoom services, 5:30pm
Sunday, September 13th, in person
Second day Rosh Hashanah, 9:00am
Tashlich at the home of Nancy Tucker, 4:30pm
Evening Zoom services, 5:30pm
Friday, September 18th, in person
Friday Night Live services, 7:00pm
Saturday, September 19th, in person
Birthday and Anniversary Shabbat, 9:30am
Thank you to the Temple Israel Sisterhood for sponsoring the cake.
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SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11
SEPTEMBER 5
Jordan Goldman
Vicky Haskell
SEPTEMBER 9
Kelly Alperin
Len Shapiro
Gloria Siegel
SEPTEMBER 10
Robert Korman
SEPTEMBER 5
Ivan and Amelia Schiff
SEPTEMBER 6
Joel and Carol Jason
Reuven and Judy Rohn
SEPTEMBER 11
Nathan Segal and Susan Tapper |
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These are the yahrzeits for the coming week. Please read through them. If you see someone you recognize, come to minyan. As a community, it is our honor to remember.
YAHRZEITS
SEPTEMBER 5 - SEPTEMBER 11
SEPTEMBER 5
Fannie Siegel
SEPTEMBER 6
Samuel Hirsch
Sonya Lachman
Rachel Saval
SEPTEMBER 7
Rita Rubinger
SEPTEMBER 8
Elizabeth Bigio
Vivian Keller
Louis Rostov
SEPTEMBER 9
Angelina Gordon
Eva Lederman
Harriet Shukow White
SEPTEMBER 10
Mildred Goldstein
Alan Marc Seltzer
Steve Allan Sucher
Albert Trestman
Maurice Zetlin
SEPTEMBER 11
Gerald Friedman
Fannie Cutler Miles
Leonard Myers
Ida Rubin
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LADIES, PLEASE DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR OLD MASCARA - BRING IT TO OUR OFFICE SO WE CAN CLEAN THE BRUSHES AND PASS IT ALONG TO THE WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR WHO WILL USE THEM TO CLEAN THE BABY ANIMALS SHE GETS. SHE CAN ALSO USE PUPPY PIDDLE PADS AND 75 WATT INFRARED LIGHT BULBS.
WE WILL COLLECT THESE ITEMS ALL YEAR, SO PLEASE DROP THEM OFF AT THE OFFICE. |
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The next time you're at the synagogue, be sure to look at our Pet Memorial Board.
It's located on the stair wall as you go up to Brody Auditorium.
It's a wonderful way to remember your beloved pet.
Plaques are only $75 each.
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UPCOMING UJFT EVENTS
Our Tidewater community is coming together to support those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
With the assistance from your previous Tidewater Federation donations, our overseas partners JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel were able to respond immediately to those impacted.
JFNA have launched a relief fund to provide urgent aid, including food, shelter, and emergency support for affected families. With lives lost, individuals still missing, and many displaced, the need is immediate.
We stand in solidarity and invite our community to support these critical relief efforts. You can donate now at https://pci.jotform.com/form/261753907440964
 Rosh Hashanah Craft and Cookie WorkshopMonday, September 14 • 5-6 pm • Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community
Join Liel and Evyatar, Tidewater's newest Shinshinim, in partnership with PJ Library in Tidewater, for a Rosh Hashanah Craft and Cookie Workshop. Ring in the Jewish New Year with holiday-themed cookie decorating, writing heartfelt New Year letters, and making holiday crafts. Register at JewishVA.org/ShinShinim
Elise Melnick Simon Exhibition Opening
Thursday, September 24 • 5:45 pm • Leon Family Gallery
Please join us a cocktail reception celebrating the opening of Elise Melnick Simon, “60 Photographs.” This special exhibition features the original prints from Elise’s 1989 solo show, which remained in storage following her unexpected death in 2002. RSVP requested at JewishVA.org/Gallery
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