Goodbyes are always hard. Whether it's graduating, leaving camp, moving away, or even ending a friendship, these moments can feel overwhelming. But this week’s parsha, Parshat Vayelech, has some insight for us.

While it may be one of the shortest portions in the Torah, Vayelech features a pivotal moment in our history: the farewell of Moses as he passes on his leadership to Joshua and watches the Israelites enter the land of Israel. At this point, Moses is 120 years old. He knows his time is almost up, and he’s about to say goodbye to Bnei Yisrael, the people he’s led across the desert for 40 years. Through miracles, wars, breakdowns, and breakthroughs, he’s been the voice of Hashem and the heart of the people. But now it’s time to say goodbye.

Moses, in his final declaration to the Jewish people, says, “Be courageous and strong, be not in fear or dread of them,” he says, “for it is Hashem your G-d who marches with you.”

He reminds the Jewish people that while he may not be physically with them any longer, the Torah and its teachings will be there to guide them. He also declares the mitzvah of Hakhel, where, once every seven years, the entire Jewish people are to gather to hear the Torah read together. Even after he's gone, Moses ensures that the Torah remains alive and shared, and that we stay connected to one another. His impact on the Jewish people doesn’t disappear, it just changes shape.

For us Alephs and BBGs, Parshat Vayelech is a reminder that goodbyes aren’t just endings, they’re transitions. They open the door to growth, new leadership, and a deeper connection with ourselves and one another.

​Saying goodbye takes guts. It’s not weak, it’s incredibly strong, because it means you’re brave enough to move forward, and wise enough to take a different path! So when the time comes to step back, let go, or move on, remember what Moses and Parsha Vayelech teach us: goodbye doesn’t mean the end. It can be the most clear, but powerful way to begin something new.

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Shabbat Shalom!

Eden Citron

Connecticut Valley Region