Parasha Vayelech
Moses' final day — he transfers leadership to Joshua, commands the writing of the Torah, and prepares for death.
Overview
Parasha Vayelech is the shortest parasha in the Torah — just 30 verses — yet it contains the final acts of Moses' leadership: the transfer of authority to Joshua, the commandment to write a Torah scroll, and the institution of Hakhel — the public reading of the Torah every seven years.
The Story
Moses tells Israel he is 120 years old and can no longer lead them. He encourages them: "Be strong and courageous; do not fear." He calls Joshua before all Israel and charges him: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring this people into the Land." Moses writes the Torah and gives it to the Levites to place beside the Ark. He commands Hakhel: every seven years, at Sukkot, the entire nation — men, women, children, and strangers — must gather to hear the Torah read. God tells Moses that after his death the people will stray; Moses writes a song as a witness against them.
Significance for Noahides
The commandment to write a Torah scroll — the last of the 613 commandments — ensures that the Torah remains a living, personal document, not merely an institutional one. The Hakhel gathering — including strangers — reflects the universal dimension of the Torah's message. Moses' encouragement to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous" is a timeless call to all who take on the responsibility of leading others toward God.