Parshat Vayeilech is the shortest section in the TorahRefers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, also called the Five Books of Moses, Pentateuch or the Hebrew equivalent, Humash. This is also called the Written Torah. The term may also refer to teachings that expound on Jewish tradition. Read more, only thirty verses long. In that brief space, Moshe passes leadership to Yehoshua, warns the people about struggles ahead, and offers some of the most potent words about Jewish survival.
One verse stands out: “Chizku v’imtzu, al tira’u v’al ta’arotzu mipneihem”—“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid and do not be broken before them” (Devarim 31:6).
Moshe speaks to a nation about to enter the Land of Israel without him. He does not promise that everything will be easy. He tells them directly that there will be enemies and challenges to face. His message is not about avoiding fear but about finding strength together, with the knowledge that God is with them.
Throughout Jewish history, chizku v’imtzu has become a kind of rallying cry. In moments of crisis or uncertainty, those words have reminded us to stay strong and not give in to despair.
For us today, Israel is not only a promise from the Torah but a living, breathing country where Jewish history continues. When Israel is under attack, criticized unfairly, or simply struggling, it can feel overwhelming from afar. As American Jewish teens, it is natural to wonder about our role. We are not in the army, and we are not political leaders.
But Moshe was not only addressing soldiers. He was speaking to an entire community of farmers, shepherds, children, and grandparents. Courage was everyone’s responsibility. That same idea defines solidarity with Israel today. It means more than support during difficult times. It means caring enough to learn, to visit, to speak up, and to share the truth when others spread misinformation. It means remembering that being a Jew anywhere connects us to Jews everywhere.
A midrashThis word is used in two ways, as both a concept and a literature. As a concept, midrash is the expansive interpretation of biblical texts. The term is used to describe the practice of rabbinic interpretation. As a text, it refers to specific collections of interpretations, particularly from the third to ninth centuries in the Land of Israel and Babylonia. Plural: Midrashim
Read more teaches that the Torah was given to all Jews, past, present, and future. That means we ourselves were at Sinai. I like to imagine something similar every time we recite ‘Am Yisrael Chai.’ Jews in America, soldiers in Israel, families in Europe, children in Jerusalem—we are all standing together, part of one story across time and place.
The message of Vayeilech is clear. Courage in Judaism has never been about standing alone. It has always been about finding strength as a people. In 2025, that means not turning away when Israel needs us, not being silent when it is easier to stay quiet, and being proud to say, “I stand with my people.”
If Moshe could encourage a nation facing an unknown future to be strong and courageous, then we can do the same today. With our voices, our choices, and our ruach, we can bring that ancient message to life.
Chizku v’imtzu. Be strong, be courageous. That is how the Jewish people have always survived, and how we will continue to thrive.
We are happy to be hosting this letter on exploringjudaism.org, the digital home of Conservative/Masorti Judaism. As part of the High Holiday resources we’re offering this year, we hope you will explore the site, which contains articles to inspire all areas of your Jewish life.
