Parashat V’zot Habracha: The Rebbe and Elie Wiesel

In the reflection on Parashat V’zot Habracha, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik delves into the profound symbolism of endings and beginnings within the Jewish tradition. This final portion of the Torah, read on Simchat Torah, encapsulates the duality of joy and sorrow. Moses, the revered leader, blesses the Israelites before his death, yet he is denied entry into the Promised Land. This poignant moment is juxtaposed with the celebration of Simchat Torah, a day marked by joy as Jews worldwide complete the Torah and immediately begin it anew. Rabbi Soloveichik emphasizes that the true essence of this celebration lies not in the completion but in the opportunity to start again, symbolizing the eternal cycle of Jewish life and resilience.