Portion 52 of 54 · Deuteronomy
וַיֵּלֶךְ
Vayelech
The shortest portion in the Torah. Moses hands over, and arranges for the whole nation to hear the law read aloud.
This week · Shabbat 5 September 2026 · read as Nitzavim–Vayelech
Start by reading it
Deuteronomy 31:1–30
One chapter.
Paired reading from the prophets: Isaiah 55:6–56:8
What happens
- 01
'I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in.'
- 02
Be strong and of a good courage. He says it to the people, then to Joshua, in public.
- 03
Every seven years, at Booths, the law is to be read to everyone — men, women, children, and the stranger.
- 04
Moses writes the song he is to teach them, and it is put beside the ark.
The thing most people walk past
Children are named in the audience
'Gather the people together, men, and women, and children.' The public reading is not for the educated. Small children who understand very little are specifically included, because being present is part of learning.
One verse to carry
Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them.
Said by a man who is not coming with them, to people about to do the hard part without him.
A question to sit with
He encourages Joshua in front of everybody rather than privately. What does public encouragement do that private encouragement cannot?
There is no answer key. This is the part you take with you.