Parshas Vayelech: Last Call for Repentance

In our Torah portion this week, Vayelech, Devarim (Deuteronomy) 31:1–30, Moses begins by repeating that God is the only reliable source of protection from invasion and cultural devastation.

The Torah teaches holiness and respect for human life.

On this final day of his life, Moses transcribes the complete oral Torah 13 times, one for the priests to consult and 12 others for each of the 12 tribes. Those holding the written Torah scrolls receive instructions to read the Torah regularly to the people in order to keep them engaged and informed of their special covenant with their Creator. Holiness and respect for human life are the hallmarks of this contract.

God warns of the downfall of Jewish civilization brought on by the people forgetting their Source of life, prosperity and safety. The portion ends with a promise of salvation, setting the stage for the final Torah reading next week.

Haftorah of Repentance

Our Haftorah portion on this Shabbat Shuva, or Shabbat of Repentance, features two prophets, Hosea 14:2-10 and Micah 7:18-20. 

Hosea warns the people that national prosperity will not save a nation from certain collapse due to moral decay from Molech worship and child sacrifice within its borders. Micah condemns the religious and political leaders for enriching themselves by exploiting the people and implementing policies that devastate faith in God, family and freedom.

Both prophets soften the terrifying repercussions of their prognostications with reassurances that God's forgiveness and healing come swiftly after repentance.

We can benefit from these timeless prophesies.

As the New Year begins and Yom Kippur draws near, we repent of our own moral failings, counting on God’s everlasting lovingkindness when we do. We can start the New Year by respecting human life and working to restore the God given right to life for all human beings in the womb.

We confess that we ignore, minimize, or encourage the most heinous atrocity against God and humanity, the daily slaughter of approximately 3,000 innocent human beings in the womb in America. (includes unreported guesstimates), in Israel, 55 daily, and globally, over 60,000 daily.  

Guilt and grief actuate repentance. For those who suffer after abortion, healing is possible. Our Tikvat Rachel Healing Program offers God’s forgiveness and restoration as the prophet, Hosea, reminds us in our readings this week.

Return, Israel, to the Lord your God. Your sins have been your downfall! Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips....We will never again say ‘Our gods’    to what our own hands have made,    for in you the fatherless find compassion.”

Please share this post on your social media to amplify our message in this troubled world. Thank you.

Cecily Routman 

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.

Cecily Routman is the founder and president of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. She opposes abortion homicide in general and among Jews in particular and laments secular policy making in Israel that results in loss of Jewish life and delays the messianic redemption. She envisions a Torah based holy Land of Israel and a world that respects the life of every human being from conception.

Please share this post on your social media to amplify our message in this troubled world. Thank you.

Cecily Routman 

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.

Cecily Routman is the founder and president of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. She opposes abortion homicide in general and among Jews in particular and laments secular policy making in Israel that results in loss of Jewish life and delays the messianic redemption. She envisions a Torah based holy Land of Israel and a world that respects the life of every human being from conception.