Parashat Nitzavim – Vayeilech Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20, 31:1–30

Dear Friends,

As we arrive at this Shabbat, the last one in the year 5784, and the last of the seven Sabbaths of Consolation (following the Ninth of Av), we find ourselves at an inflection point in our history. Moses is coming to the end of his life, and in this last piece, the scene has us gathered together as a people about to (truly) enter into our covenant with the Divine. We could rightly ask, why now? Wasn’t this clear well before in our history, who we were in that relationship? Wasn’t the redemption from Egypt and slavery proof enough? Apparently not.

If we think back to all the grumbling and complaining that we did in that process, the Exodus may not have really been our choice.  Initially, we just complained about all the hard work. We wanted a break. We did not ask to be removed from the place we had lived for some 400 years. Finally, we get expelled from the country and sent off into the wilderness (none too happily with matzah to eat).

Now, in this Torah Portion, we are told that we are standing all together, about to be transformed from a ragtag group of related tribes into the People of Israel. We are to be bound together by the contract we are entering with God. And who are we? All of us, from the highest reaches of the society, to the lowest level of the workers are included. The women still nursing their infants as well as the strangers, or sojourners in our midst, are all included. That being the case, what tells us that this is any different than the various assemblies and experiences that preceded this one? It is the implicit challenge that is part of this scene.

The language that the Torah uses to describe this event uses a passive verb. Yes we are standing, but unlike at services when we come to the “Amida” prayers and actively stand up (if we are able), a different verb is used here. “Nitzvim Ahtem” is a passive, rather than active, phrasing. You have been caused to be standing, so here you are, but do you choose to stand for something? Do you choose to take on the obligations of this contract you are signing onto? Remember, it is not just you, but all of your descendants as well (plus any who may come to join you), who will be responsible. This will pass Dor L’dor, from generation to generation. Are you willing to make this an active element in your lives, rather than just be dragged passively along?

This is the question that we come to as this last Shabbat of the year comes to an end with the service of S’lihot, of pardon. Forgiveness is not something to be received passively. It is something that must be actively sought. The service is the warm-up for the Days of Awe. Just as in the scene in this Torah Portion, the ten Days of Awe are a group activity that depends on the actions of us as individuals to make it work for the group. We each have to open our hearts to hope, and to the possibilities of a better future.

Knowing that as we forgive those around us we can inspire them to forgive us, kindles a light of hope to illuminate a brighter future, and this vision should lead us to a Shabbat Shalom. May this Shabbat, and the Holy Days that follow it, renew all of our souls, and bring us peace.

Shana Tovah,
Rabbi Marv
rabbischwab@bethelsp.org