
09/27/2025
Vayelech
And He Went
וַיֵּלֶךְ
Portion Summaries
Overview
The name of the fifty-second reading from the Torah is Vayelech, which means “and he went.” The name is derived from the first word of the first verse of the portion: “So Moses went [vayelech] and spoke these words to all Israel.” In this short portion, Moses commands an assembly for a public Torah reading and covenant renewal once every seven years. He then finishes writing the scroll of the Torah and has it deposited in the holy of holies next to the ark of the covenant.
Text
Torah and Haftarah reading references below are based on the Hebrew Bible. When Christian Bible references differ, it will be noted as such in the text. An asterisk (*) below indicates special readings during Festivals, certain Sabbaths, and New Moons.
Torah
Deuteronomy 31:1-30
Haftarah
Hosea 14:2-10; Joel 2:15-27*
Gospels
Matthew 18:21-35*
Portion Outline
TORAH
Deuteronomy 31:1 Joshua Becomes Moses' Successor
Deuteronomy 31:9 The Law to Be Read Every Seventh Year
Deuteronomy 31:14 Moses and Joshua Receive God’s Charge
PROPHETS
* Shabbat Shuva is the Sabbath that occurs during the Ten Days of Repentance between but not on the two consecutive days of Rosh HaShanah and the day of Yom Kippur. The name Shabbat Shuva comes from the first word of its haftarah, literally meaning “Return!” It is alternately known as Shabbat Teshuvah (“Sabbath of Repentance”) since it falls in the ten days of repentance.