Will we succeed in fulfilling all our dreams and wishes, in all areas? This week's Torah portion tells what happened when Moshe Rabbenu did not fulfill his dream. The portion is called "Va'etchanan" (And I pleaded), after the verse that opens it, "And I pleaded with the Lord at that time," which describes his supplications to enter the Land of Israel. He prayed and asked God, but in the end he only merited to see the land, without entering it.
Our commentators explain that even in this story – Moshe is “rabbenu”, meaning our rabbi. He prays and asks, but when answered negatively, he doesn't break down in bitterness and frustration. He continues to act and do: he teaches Yehoshua Ben Nun how to lead the people after him, and continues to do commandments and good deeds until the last moment. He also leaves sacred educational messages as a moving and detailed testament, which we all learn to this day in the weekly Torah portion.
There is a profound saying of our sages: "It is not upon you to complete the work, nor are you free to desist from it." Originally it speaks about Torah study, which is infinite and nevertheless each person must engage in it, according to their ability. But in every field - you must act and do according to your ability, even if you might not succeed in completing the work, even if you might not reap all the achievements in the end. One must pray and make effort, act to the best of our ability, deal with disappointment if necessary, and see our mission within the greater story.
It is not upon us to complete the work, nor are we free to desist from it. You are invited to try walking with this sentence today.
