Letting Go: Vayelech

Like Moses, parents know. Their best efforts in instilling values often become futile. Both rebellion and peer pressure eradicate their influence. In the end, parents are left wondering whether they made a difference? Did their Jeanie leave the bottle altogether or is there some redemption in store down the road?

In the Torah Portion Vayelech, Moses’ valedictory speech to the Children of Israel brutally lays out the reality of what happens to children when they leave home.. In his circumstance, the Children of Israel entering the Promised Land with Moses to pass away on the other side of the Jordan.

Vayelech

Moses, knowing his time on the planet is coming to a close, offers up wise words to the Children of Israel. He reminds them: “Because I know after my death, that you’ll be corrupted, and you’ll turn from the way that I have commanded you.” Deuteronomy 31:29.

The Children of Israel are on notice that their future is fraught. The Promised Land might not be the paradise anticipated. Rather, they would encounter other peoples, other religious beliefs, other customs, other practices, and other gods. They would be surrounding by temptations as much as Adam and Eve were enticed in the Garden of Eden by a snake.

Moses’ speech was parental. His intimacy with these people exceeded that of being a leader. He vouched for them. He was their parent; their teacher.

The Parental Ceiling

Good parenting has its limits. Teaching children morals and values does not guarantee compliance. Sons and daughters often will veer off the pathway. This should be anticipated and not be of any surprise. Moses’ acceptance of this reality should be appreciated by parents. Disappointment versus dismay is warranted.

Parental Patience

Moses’ lesson is about lowering expectations and exercising patience. Children, as independent beings, are flawed; they slip; they make mistakes.

A parent must accept this as a reality. Making themselves available for their children is perhaps the key. Children need to know that it is possible to get back on track; to return.

Conclusion

Human nature is undefeated. Moses’ parting words appreciated that people slip. Parents, as well, must appreciate that their children will have issues with rebellion and peers. Despite being raised properly, they can either be influenced by peers or succumb to rebellion.

Thus, Vayelech’s lesson is patience. Children need some time to wake up; their period of rebellion to end; their disenchantment with their peers to complete. And, in the end they will begin to appreciate their parental directions. With that, there is hope that they will return from their errant ways.

Be well!!

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