Two-Line Torah: Vayelech 5776–Strong and Resolute
In his speech accepting the nomination for President, John F. Kennedy called upon Americans to be be leaders in science and space, to take the nation to a “New Frontier.” Kennedy quoted this week’s Torah portion, saying: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) That was in 1960; by the end of the decade, humans had walked on the moon.
The phrase, “Be strong and of a good courage” in Hebrew, hizku v’imtzu, is often translated as “be strong and resolute.” In the midst of the High Holy days, it often feels like we need the koach (strength) to get to our own New Frontier: not the Moon, but just the end of Sukkot! I want to bless you to be strong and resolute in the coming weeks – make sure you take time for your own spiritual needs so you can be there for the students we serve!
Rabbi Matt Rosenberg is Executive Director & Campus Rabbi at Hillel at Texas A&M.
The phrase, “Be strong and of a good courage” in Hebrew, hizku v’imtzu, is often translated as “be strong and resolute.” In the midst of the High Holy days, it often feels like we need the koach (strength) to get to our own New Frontier: not the Moon, but just the end of Sukkot! I want to bless you to be strong and resolute in the coming weeks – make sure you take time for your own spiritual needs so you can be there for the students we serve!
Rabbi Matt Rosenberg is Executive Director & Campus Rabbi at Hillel at Texas A&M.