Parshat Nitzavim; Deuteronomy 29:9 –30:20 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger

This is the last address by Moses to the people of Israel. Moses is trying one last time to get the message into the hearts and minds of the Israelites. That message is that God’s covenant made with the ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still stands with the people Israel. That covenant requires our adherence to the system of Mitzvot given at Sinai and loyalty to God. Moses reiterates the Jewish intolerance for idolatry and reminds us of the consequences of turning away from God.

But Moses also reminds each person of the blessings that come with steadfast loyalty to God and our covenant. Moses reminds us of the prosperity that is to be found, the satisfaction in life that can come from turning to God “with all your heart and soul” (30:10).

But most importantly Moses reminds each person that we have the power to choose which path we will take. We have the free will to make the decision—“See I set before you this day life and prosperity, death and adversity” (30:15). The Jew must decide for herself whether she is in or out; whether she will accept the responsibility of the covenant or not.

As we approach the High Holy Day Season many Jews are reminded of their connection to our people and to our covenant. While most of the year many opt out—having little to do with the synagogue or formal Jewish community, this season of teshuvah (repentance) calls Jews everywhere to return home—to community, family and temple.

This parasha is read just a couple of weeks before the holy days begins but also we read it on the morning of Yom Kippur. One reason this passage from Nitzavim is that it serves as a reminder to those Jews who connect but once a year of their obligations to our people. As the parasha says, “It is not too baffling for you or beyond your reach (30:11).” It offers sound advice for the practicing Jew as well as for the Jew who connects sporadically to our people that God welcomes those who come home and God welcomes and blesses those who love God and walk in God’s ways. And since the High Holy Days is an opportunity to change our lives and behaviors this is an opportunity, an invitation if you will, to return to the basic observances and responsibilities, and to be welcomed once again into the arms of our community.

Even when we stray, we always have the chance to come home in safety and love.

This is the theme of the portion and indeed the theme of the High Holy Day season.

May you turn in love to God and our people and their find the blessing of prosperity and peace for the New Year.

Posted by Lee at September 26, 2005 09:08 AM