Not tomorrow. Not later. Now. (Ekev)

Parashat Ekev invites us to reflect on the power of listening and the consequences of our actions. In this final stretch of Moshe’s journey, he stands at the threshold of the Promised Land, unable to cross. His life’s work has been leading us here, yet he must face the reality that his time is limited. How heartbreaking it must have been for him, pleading with God to change the rules, only to hear, “Enough. It’s time for something new.”

But there’s a profound lesson in this. Moshe’s story reminds us of the urgency of now. Our time is not infinite, and that very limitation is what makes each moment sacred. The German Jewish philosopher Franz Rosenzweig wrote that while science attempts to reduce the fear of death, religion teaches us the urgency that comes with mortality. Every moment we have is a precious opportunity to act, to love, and to make a difference. We don’t have forever. That’s what makes right now so vital.

In Parashat Ekev, we read, “And it will be, if you listen.” This conditional promise hinges on an if — not a certainty. It’s a reminder that our actions, or inactions, have real consequences. If we listen, if we act, if we embrace the urgency of the present moment, we can bring about change. But it’s not guaranteed. It’s an invitation, not a certainty.

Just as Moshe was aware of the limits of his life, we, too, must recognize that our time to act is not infinite. As we reflect on Moshe’s journey and our own, let us remember: We may not be able to change everything, but we can change something. The time to act is now. We must not wait for a better moment. Not tomorrow. Not later. Now.

May we seize this moment with the fullness of our hearts and souls. We don’t have forever, but we do have now. Let this be the moment we choose love, action, and healing.

Let this be the moment we bring them home.

Now.