JCC Association's Early Childhood Curriculum Project 'This New Month'

The Death of Moses
Deuteronomy, Chapter 31, Verses 1, 2 and 7

The Torah begins with the creation of the world and follows the history of significant people who were close to G-D until the death of Moses. These people formed a chain of Jewish educational continuity which continues to this day.

Chapter 31, Verses 1 & 2

"Vayeleich Moshe Vayidabeir Et Hadvareem Ha'eileh El Kol Yisrael. Vayomer Aleihem: Ben Me'ah Vi'esreem Shana anochee Hayom-Lo Uechall Od Latzeit Vilavo, Vahashem Amar Eilia Lo Tavor Et Hayardein Hazeh."

"And Moses went and said these words to all of Israel. And he said to them: I am one hundred and twenty years old today-- I cannot go out or come in and G-D has told me not to cross this Jordan (river)."

Overview of the Biblical Text:

The end of the Torah is near and the life of Moses, the leader of Israel is also drawing to a close. Moses, who has led the Children of Israel out of Egypt and into the desert and who has taught the Torah and counseled his people is now approaching death. As the children of Israel prepare to cross the Jordan River and enter Israel, Moses informs them that G-D already warned him that he himself would not enter.

Chapter 31, Verse 7

"Vayeekra Moshe Liyhoshua, Vayomer Eilav li'einei Chai Yisrael: Chazak Vi'ematz Kee Ata Tavo Et Ha'am Hazeh El Ha'aretz Asher Neeshba Hashem La'avotam Latet Lahem.

"And Moses called to Joshua and he said to him in front of all of Israel: Be strong and have courage because you will lead this nation into the land that G-D has promised to give to their forefathers."

Overview of the Biblical Text:

Before his death, Moses:

encouraged the Children of Israel to be strong and Maintain their faith in G-D after his death
blessed the Children of Israel before he died
designated his successor, Joshua, before his death-- to assure continuity of leadership.

Joshua had faithfully served as Moses' assistant and was now promoted to lead the Jewish people. Rashi teaches us that it was Joshua who set up the benches each morning in Moses' study hall. Nothing was below his dignity in serving his teacher, Moses. Moses encouraged and blessed Joshua to be strong as well. [No one knew as well as Moses, how difficult it was to be the leader of a nation.]

Discussion/Activity Ideas:

Being in Charge -
Ask the children, "If you were in charge of this class, what would you change? What would you keep the same? Write suggestions on a large poster board and discuss the possibility of implementing any of them. Allow the class to try some of the suggestions to see if they work.