Vayelech:

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

OVERVIEW

On this, the last day of his life, Moses goes from tent to tent throughout the camp, bidding farewell to his beloved people, encouraging them to "keep the faith." Moses tells them that whether he is among them or not, Hashem is with them, and will vanquish their enemies. Then he summons Joshua, and in front of all the people, exhorts him to be strong and courageous as the leader of the Jewish People. In this manner, he strengthens Joshua`s status as the new leader. Moses teaches them the mitzvah of hakhel: That every seven years on the first day of the intermediate days of Succot, the entire nation, including small children, is to gather together at the Temple to hear the king read from the Book of Devarim. The sections that he reads deal with faithfulness to Hashem, the covenant, and reward and punishment. Hashem tells Moses that his end is near, and he should therefore summon Joshua to stand with him in the Mishkan, where Hashem will teach Joshua. Hashem then tells Moses and Joshua that after entering the Land, the people will be unfaithful to Him, and begin to worship other gods. Hashem will then completely "hide His face" so that it will seem that the Jewish People are at the mercy of fate, and that they will be hunted by all. Hashem instructs Moses and Joshua to write down a song -- Ha'azinu -- which will serve as a "witness" against the Jewish People when they sin. Moses records the song in writing and teaches it to Bnei Yisrael. Moses completes his transcription of the Torah, and instructs the levi'im to place it to the side of the aron (Holy Ark), so that no one will ever write a new Torah Scroll that is different from the original -- for there will always be a reference copy.

Overview courtesy of Rabbis Newman and Sinclair, Ohr Somayach