1. Concluding the Torah with Blessings
We began reading Vezos Habrocho—the final section of the Torah—yesterday by Mincha. It is a longstanding tradition that whenever we finish something, whether it is a parsha, a tractate, or even a possuk, we always conclude with good, with blessings and encouragement. This is especially significant after the previous parshiyos—Netzovim, Vayelech, and Haazinu—where Moshe Rabbeinu delivers some very harsh words to Bnei Yisroel to ensure they follow his teachings. Despite this, the Torah concludes with Vezos Habrocho, where Moshe blesses the Jewish people.
This principle extends beyond just the Torah reading. For example, when Shabbos coincides with Rosh Chodesh or even when reading Eicha, we repeat a possuk at the end so as not to finish on a negative note. The idea is always to conclude with positivity—l’sayem b’tov—to end with something uplifting rather than negative.
2. The Universal Message of Torah Tzivah Lonu Moshe
One of the most powerful verses in this parsha is “Torah tzivah lonu Moshe, morasha kehilas Yaakov”—Moshe commanded us the Torah, an inheritance for the congregation of Yaakov. This possuk is so central that it is traditionally the first verse taught to a child as soon as he can speak. The father teaches him these words to instill from the outset that Torah belongs to every Jew.
The message here is clear: Torah does not belong exclusively to any one segment of our people—not just to scholars, not only to Kohanim, not only to Sefardim or Ashkenazim. Rather, it is an inheritance for all of Yaakov—every Jew without exception.
3. Responsibility of Scholars and Leaders
This idea carries two important implications. First, those who have the merit to be scholars and study Torah deeply must remember that it is not theirs alone. They have a responsibility to ensure that Torah reaches all of Kehilas Yaakov. We see this modeled by our leaders: as we learned in the morning from the Rebbe’s letters, the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe would take time out of his busy schedule not just for advanced study but also to teach simple things like Aleph-Beis to children and basic Yiddishkeit to simple people.
No matter how much one could immerse oneself in deep Kabbalah or Chassidus, there remains an obligation to make sure every Jew has access—even at the most basic level—to their heritage.
4. Inclusion of Every Jew—Even Beginners
The possuk says “Kehilas Yaakov,” using Yaakov—the lesser name—rather than Yisroel, which represents a higher spiritual level. This teaches us that Torah’s inheritance is not limited only to those on an advanced level (Yisroel) but includes everyone—even those just beginning their journey.
No one can say “Torah isn’t for me” because they lack training or background; it belongs equally to every Jew regardless of experience or education.
5. A Story: The Power of Authentic Experience
I want to share a story that really touched me and illustrates this point. Over Yom Tov—Rosh Hashanah—we had two guests: a father and son who don’t understand Hebrew and usually daven in English. After Yom Tov I mentioned to my wife how difficult it must be for them, sitting through hours of davening without understanding what’s going on. I even wondered if perhaps we should direct such people toward other Chabad houses where there are more accommodations like talks or jokes in English.
The following Shabbos morning after Rosh Hashanah, I arrived late for our 8:30 Hasidus class and saw these two waiting by the door at 8:40. I told them services begin at 9:30, but they said they came specifically for the Hasidus class—that was what they wanted most! Later on they told me they had never experienced such a beautiful Rosh Hashanah as this year—despite not understanding Hebrew or having any special accommodations—just davening together with everyone else.
6. The Unique Energy of Inclusive Communities
This story highlights something we may overlook: in many non-religious shuls there are no young children present—it’s mostly adults or even just elderly people coming briefly for services. In contrast, our shul has young kids singing along and brings an energy that makes a deep impression on everyone present—even those who don’t understand every word.
The guests said this was their best Rosh Hashanah ever—not because we lowered standards or changed anything for them but because they felt included in an authentic environment filled with spirit and youthfulness.
7. Staying True While Being Welcoming
This teaches us that we do not need to lower our standards or dilute our practices in order to make others feel comfortable or included. Instead, by being polite and measured while staying true to our traditions and values, we create an environment where everyone can find meaning and connection—even those who might initially feel like outsiders.
The greatest success comes from authenticity combined with genuine warmth and inclusion—this is how we fulfill “Torah tzivah lonu Moshe… morasha kehilas Yaakov” in its fullest sense.