D’var Torah – Sept. 20

In the 2004 film The Alamo, there’s a sentimental scene between legendary Texan frontiersmen William Travis (played by Patrick Wilson) and Jim Bowie (played by Jason Patric). Knowing they are facing certain death at the hands of Santa Anna’s besieging Mexican army, they put aside their animosity and tension for a moment of brief mutual respect, even friendship. Near the end of their talk, the bed-ridden, incapacitated Bowie says to Travis, “You know, if you live five more years, you might just be a great man.” Travis replies, “I think I will probably have to settle for what I am now.”[1]

In this week’s parsha of Ki Tavo*, we receive the following mitzvah (commandment):

“The Lord will establish you as His holy people as He swore to you, if you observe the commandments of the Lord, your God, and walk in His ways.”[2]

At this moment, we find ourselves in the month of Elul which immediately precedes Rosh HaShanah, the new year.

It’s often said that Elul is a month of spiritual preparation wherein we not only renew, but indeed strengthen our relationship with God.[3]

Perhaps then, in this sacred season, we can consciously and intentionally use this time to become more of the people we want to be as we walk in God’s path, following His ways. May we neither tarry, neglect, or allow Elul – this invaluable opportunity, to slip through our fingers. We don’t have to wait when it comes to becoming the people we truly want to be.

Wishing you a Good Shabbos and a great weekend.

L’Shalom,

From the Desk of: Rabbi Aaron Stucker-Rozovsky

Beth El Congregation | 520 Fairmont Ave, Winchester, VA 22601