During these final weeks of the summer before Rosh Hashanah, we read the last section of the Torah, in the book of Devarim. There, as the Jewish people prepare to enter the Holy Land with Joshua, Moses offers his final address. 
The Kabalsitic book of Zohar and Hasidisim teaches that Moses' true role is to nurture his people's faith, instilling in them a deep understanding of and unwavering commitment to G-d and His purpose for them.
We therefore find in his farewell speech that Moses reminds the people that even though they are entering the Promised Land, challenges will still arise. He says, “You shall know in your heart that just as a man chastises his son, so does the L-rd, your G-d, chastise you.”
Moses wants the people to understand that even in difficult times, they must remember that they are G-d’s chosen and treasured people, and He is always with them.
So, what should they do when faced with challenges that shake their faith, such as seeing the wicked prosper or flawed ideologies gaining popularity. How could they reconcile that with their belief? 
Moses offers a simple answer: “G-d is testing you to determine whether you truly love Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
When we witness a lack of the Divine favor we assume is owed to those who follow G-d's will, our faith can be tested. Voices from both within and outside mock what seems like a naïve belief. The Rebbe explains that in these moments, when G-d's presence seems hidden, it is because He wants to bring us into a closer, more intense relationship with Him. To maintain our faith during these tests, we must draw on deeper levels of commitment than usual.
Once we pass the test, its purpose is fulfilled, and our once-hidden, deep connection with G-d becomes our new, everyday consciousness. What better way to prepare for the High Holidays, then by exploring and enhancing our faith in G-d.

Last Shabbos, we held our first services at our new location—a significant milestone and an exciting time for the Jewish community in South Dakota.
The morning service, the Torah reading, musaf, and the Kiddush lunch that followed, were well enjoyed and full of inspiration. The community prayed, sang, and shared a meal as we celebrated anniversaries and welcomed Jewish traveling guests from Chicago and Israel. 
One of the special highlights of Shabbos lunch is always the Grace After Meals, commonly known by its Yiddish term, "bentching."
This practice of thanking G-d after meals originates from this week’s Torah portion, where Moses tells the Children of Israel that G-d will bring them into the Holy Land—a land of wheat and barley, vines and figs, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey—where they will lack nothing.
Moses reminds them always to be grateful for their blessings and to thank G-d for providing them: "V’achalta v’savata, u’verachta es Hashem Elokecha"—"You will eat and be satisfied, and you shall bless the L-rd, your G-d, for the good land He has given you."
The bentching consists of four primary blessings — the first instituted by Moses himself in the desert, the second by Joshua when the Children of Israel ate from the first harvest after entering the Holy Land, the third by Kings David and Solomon, and the fourth by the Sages in mishnaic times.
For over three thousand years, whenever Jews come together to eat, we give thanks G-d. This has also been key to our identity as Jews, always remembering to be grateful, and recognizing that our achievements and prosperity are not the result of “my strength and the might of my hand,” but rather “it is He that gives you strength to make wealth.”
We hope you'll join us for Kiddush and lunch at this week’s Shabbat service, and together, we'll bentch and celebrate!