Parshat Nitzavim/Vayelech; Deueteronomy 29:9 -31:30 By Rabbi Denise L. Eger

We can tell that the New Year will soon be upon us. Parshat Nitzavim is always read on the Shabbat before the New Year. Nitzavim which we Reform Jews will read again on Yom Kippur morning reminds us that we as a community will soon stand before God to confess our sins and to receive in love the forgiveness that God has to offer us.

The text of our Torah portion reminds us that we are a part of the covenant and that we shall re-affirm our commitment and covenantal duties. In many ways the Season of Renewal represented by Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot and Simchat Torah help us to renew and reinvigorate our own commitment to this covenant. We must first heal our relationship with God and fellow community members, we must accept forgiveness and we must forgive others. With Sukkot and Simchat Torah we re-connect with the bounty of the land given to us by God and the bounty of Torah also given to us by God. By the end of this holiday season—though tired—we are uniquely reminded and refreshed that our standing in the world and in the covenant is renewed and indeed strengthened.

Parshat Nitzavim reminds us that this isn’t too hard to do. In fact, it is incumbent upon all of us no matter our station in life. From those who work with their hands to those who are officials of the community. All must go through this process and must stand before God in his or her own way.

Especially after the weeks since we observed Tisha B’av –the ninth of Av, our haftarah readings have specifically given voice to the tear in the relationship between God and Israel and indeed in the last few weeks have gone on to voice the sense rebuilding the relationship between Israel and God. This Torah portion then just as we are to enter the sacred High Holy Day season is one more reminder of the important work we must do to secure our covenantal relationship and the consequences of turning away from God and community.

We must take heed from Moses words to Joshua in Parshat Vaylech—“Be Strong and Resolute” he says ( 31:7). It is good advice for all of us as we enter the High Holy Days of Repentance and Renewal. Let us be strong and resolute in our teshuva and in our reaffirmation of our covenant with God. For just as Moses tells Joshua, we, too, must be reminded that “God will be with you.”

Rosh Hashanah reminds us that God is with us. God walks with us on our journey of repentance and renewal. God grants us a new year of life. And as it says in Nitzavim—“(And when) you return to Adonai your God … I Adonai your God will restore your fortunes and take you back in love.”(Deut. 30:2-3).

That is the message of this season a renewal of our love relationship with the Divine.

May the New Year bring you and yours love and health and joy.

Posted by Lee at September 12, 2006 12:35 PM