Parshat Vayelech

3 myths

Moses's final day, the commandment of Hakhel (public Torah reading), and the prediction of Israel's future rebellion. Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30.
Parshat Vayelech 6 min

Moses Cleaned Joshua's Shoes at Midnight for Thirty-Six Nights

For thirty-six nights Moses rose at midnight, slipped into Joshua's room, and cleaned the shoes of the man who would replace him.

MosesJoshuaDeuteronomyLeadershipMidrashSuccession
Parshat Vayelech 5 min

The Day That Refused to End While Moses Still Breathed

When Moses's final day arrived, Devarim Rabbah says the sun refused to set and the day itself filed a complaint before God about being forced to end.

MosesJoshuaSolomonDeathTorahTemple
Parshat Vayelech 6 min

The Emperor Demanded Proof the Buried Dead Would Rise Again

A Roman emperor dares the sages to prove scattered dust can live, and they answer with clay, shattered glass, and a grain of wheat.

ResurrectionTalmudSanhedrinRoman EmperorSadduceesRabban GamlielMidrash