Vayelech: the end

Vayelech comes at the turn of the year and the seasons. The old year is dying, the season of death (winter) is coming, Moshe speaks of his death. The rules apply to (even ) to Moshe.  120 years. That is it. There is a limit, and Moshe has reached it, and we learn from his actions on that day. 

He appoints the successor, Yehoshua, to complete the task of bringing the people into the land.  The task outlives the  prophet. 

Moshe writes a book and/or a poem. Haazinu of Dvorim  or the whole torah.  He documents the prophecy and (a copy of it) is entombed in the ark, next to the tablets. 

Moshe predicts the fututre of Israel.  Gd will keep  the promise, the people will settle in the land, but because of their comfort, they will lose their land, suffer in exile... and ultimately be returned.  The prophecy is stated as science.  There is a logical, undulating  sequence of events.  And the basis for the predicition,  for I know their imagination, is given. 

Now, before Yom Kippur, we do battle with our natures and hope that we can attain a lasting highpoint. 

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

take it the right way( not like he did.)

Shana tova