He said to them: I am now one hundred and twenty years old, I can no longer be active. Moreover, יהוה has said to me, “You shall not go across yonder Jordan.” (Deuteronomy 31:2) This sentence has become the common wish given on a person’s birthday: “you should live to 120” or as some say “you should live to 100 and be like 20.” Either way, it is clear that according to Moses, he has lived a full life and now that he is coming to the end, he is satisfied with all that he has accomplished.
Moses is teaching an extraordinary lesson. We should remain productive all the way to the end. Retirement should mean having time to do those things that you have always wanted to do. Yes we all need down time. We all need vacations and respite from the difficult tasks in our lives. However, that should lead to greater productivity when you return. So many return home after time away more tired than they were before. Yet the change breathes a new energy, a new perspective critical enhanced productivity.
Greenburgh Hebrew Center rabbistein@ghcny.org 515 Broadway Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-693-4260 office@ghcny.org www.ghcny.org
