Tears of Heaven, Strength on Earth: Our Call to Act (Va’Etchanan)

It is fitting that in this week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, we find Moshe Rabbeinu, our greatest teacher, in prayer. Moshe, who stood so close to God, begs for entry into the Promised Land, only to hear a definitive, heart-wrenching “No.” This is a profoundly human moment for Moses, one of the greatest figures in our tradition, facing the reality of unanswered prayers. Sometimes, the answer is simply no. That reality is painful and heavy, but it’s also sacred.

The story of Moshe in Va’etchanan is more than just about a denied request — it’s about how we respond when life tells us no. Moshe doesn’t crumble; he doesn’t stop leading. He channels his grief into ensuring the future. He sets up his successor, Joshua, to guide the people forward. In his own heartbreak, he finds the strength to continue building.

My wife, Neshama, shared with me a powerful insight about this Torah portion — she imagines God’s “No” to Moshe coming through tears. God’s love for Moshe is immense, and though God’s decision is firm, it doesn’t come without sorrow. This reading suggests a different kind of relationship with the Divine, one where God feels deeply alongside us. God cries with us in our struggle, not as a distant force, but as a loving presence.

We, too, are tasked with building amidst our grief. Just as Moses planned for the future of the Israelites, so we plan for the safety of our families, our communities, our world. And as we fight for the return of our hostages, for the security of our students on campuses, for the dignity of our People, Am Yisrael, we must also remember to link arms across time and space — with Moshe Rabbeinu, with each other, and with those who will come after us.

Friends, we know that we are not guaranteed forever, and so we must act with urgency, with purpose, and in pursuit of justice. Just as Moses ensured the continuity of his community, so must we. We are builders of this world, creators of a legacy that will outlive us. And even when our prayers go unanswered, we can choose to be the answer to someone else’s prayers.

Let’s not quiet our voices in the face of injustice. Let’s not lose our resolve when we are told “No.” Instead, let us respond with action, with empathy, with an unwavering commitment. Let us teach our children how to carry forward this work. Let us build a world where no one lives in fear under their own roof, where every family can sit in peace under their fig tree, where none shall make them afraid.

We are builders. We are strong. And we will not be silent.