This week’s parsha, Vayelech, is the shortest in the Torah.
In that spirit, here is a short thought on it.
Moshe is about to pass on from this world. It is the final day of a perfect life. So perfect, in fact, that he passed away on the exact same day he was born – 120 years later.
Instead of getting his own affairs in order, he is busy with the Jewish people. In fact, he had already handed over the reins of leadership to Yehoshua (Joshua).
Nonetheless, on his last day, Moshe delivers the written Torah (Five Books of Moses) to the Jewish people and instructs them about two mitzvot – Hakhel (gathering of all Jews every seven years) and the obligation to write a Torah scroll.
Both of the commandments are emblematic of the unity and mission of the Jewish people.
On his last day, Moshe was not engaged in personal affairs. Rather, he was engaged in communal affairs.
Come to think of it – Moshe’s life was so dedicated to the Jewish people that communal affairs were his personal affairs.
It’s no wonder that the entire Torah is named after him.
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This Shabbat is Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
As we contemplate the High Holy Days, perhaps we can take a small cue from Moshe’s life and remind ourselves that fidelity to our fellows and our Torah is indeed the best legacy for ourselves.