Parshas Vayelech (5769)

Bs”d

Parshas Vayelech (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The Medrash (9:9) in our parsha relates that when Moshe Rabeinu finally came to terms with himself about the fact of his parting from this world Hashem gladdened his heart by revealing to him that in the next world he would likewise have the great merit of leading Klal Yisroel. This is to be viewed as more than just a “reward” but rather a realization of the great principle that our existence in the next world is a reflection of our values, aspirations, goals and preoccupation of life on this world.

Yom Kippur should be viewed as a most precious tool that Hashem has given us to cleanse our souls. To get the most out of it we should devote time, days before Yom Kippur preparing a personal list of our undesirable actions that we wish to have Hashem’s forgiveness for through the gift of Yom Kippur – and may we all be blessed with a gmar chasimah tova.

A wonderful, wonderful first Shabbos to all.