Abraham introduces the concept of ethical monotheism. Not just that there is one God but that He wants us to be ethical. Being ethical and moral is equal to being holy. All three have to be together.

Why is Abraham considered greater than Noah? The fact is that while Noah did the right thing he never took the initiative. Abraham did take the initiative. Even argued with God at times.

The difference between Noah and Abraham is that while Noah did not try to change his neighbors' behavior Abraham did. That is why Abraham is considered greater than Noah.

The Torah informs us that Noah was not perfect. The important lesson to us is that you do not have to be perfect to stand up to evil.

In the portion of the week Moses receives his final command. To ascend Mt. Nebo and see the land that he will not enter it. This is to teach us that just as Moses prepared Joshua to lead, we have to prepare the next generation.

God wants us to do our job. he wants to see the effort we do in keeping the commandments. Just like when we crossed the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea). Before He split the waters someone had to jump in.

Yom Kipper we stand before God promising to be better. The real test comes a few days later when we have the holiday of Sukkot, in which we are commanded to be happy. Can we keep our promise to be better when we are having a good time.

God has given us free will. But that means that we have to take ownership of our actions. We are responsible for what we do. This is also the message of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

In last week's portion it says that Moses went to the people. This shows that it is our responsibility to reach out to others to help them become better people.

Moses is leaving the Jewish people. Joshua is appointed his successor. Moses wants to remind the Jews that they were freed from Egypt for the purpose of creating a moral and just society in the image of God.