We've been taught that need is weakness. Moses shuts that down. The most powerful leader in history had one true desire, to enter the land of Israel, just to see it. He lays his deepest desire completely open before G-d and his people. G-d says no.
When the no comes, he doesn't collapse. He shows up anyway.
We spend so much energy asking why something didn't work out, the job, the relationship, the plan we had. Moses teaches us the answer might be no, and your greatest chapter might still be written in how you show up after.
Messages from this week's Torah portion Vaetchanan, where Moshe, the greatest leader in history, shows us that asking vulnerably takes courage, and showing up after the no is where that courage is proven.
Our annual report should have arrived in your mailbox. We want to hear your honest thoughts. Just reply with a letter:
A — Awesome, I loved it
B — Seems good
C — Could be better
Something becomes very clear in the summer that we spend the rest of the year forgetting: we could never actually outsource education. This week we read in the Torah, teach your children Torah at the table, on the road, before bed, everywhere, always. We can only teach what we know, so learn with us at Men's Brunch Club this Sunday. It's a great club! If you've been before, you know. If you haven't, this Sunday is the one to start.
Light Shabbat candles in Dunwoody, GA today, Friday, July 24th before 8:26 PM
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zalmy Goldberg
P.S. Something big for Mitzvah House is coming! We're not ready to say it yet but we are so close. Something we've been building toward that we think is going to mean a lot. You'll want to be part of this one.
P.P.S. Our Jewish calendar is almost off to the printer. Did you see your birthday in it last year? Let's get it in this year's edition. Reply to this email with the word "calendar" and I'll reach out with everything you need to know.
P.P.P.S Whew that's a lot of post email notes. My wife just dropped another episode of her podcast Teach Alef. An interview with Rabbi G from the MJCCA. Please listen, subscribe, like and share! LINK HERE
Men's Brunch Club
Sunday, July 26th | 11 AM
Breakfast with all the fixings. Morning meditation. Sunday morning connection.
For Men.
Kid's Art Market
Sunday, August 16th | 4:30 PM
Is you child an entrepreneur?
Sign your little business people up for the kid's art market!
Labor Day family service day
Sunday, September 6th | 4:30PM
Cook, bake, and pack a delicious Shabbat meal for someone who may enjoy a little love.
This post is from the Mitzvah House email newsletter, first sent July 24, 2026. For current programs, see upcoming Mitzvah House events. Questions? Call 678.769.4833 or email Hello@MitzvahHouse.com.