Parshat Nitzavim - Devarim (Deuteronomy) 29:9 - 30:20

You Stand This Day

by Shmuel ben Shlomi

Over the course of the year 5781 (2021) we have looked at all the parshas in the Torah. Learned, at least, hopefully learned some of the valuable lessons that first and foremost HaShem and Moshe Rabbenu, as well as our Sages of blessed memory and current Rabbis have wanted to impress upon our hearts and minds. As we now close out this year and begin the new head of year 5782 and study the final parsha of this closing year what can we learn from it?

Last week’s parsha closed out with Moshe reminding all Israel what they (and we by means of the story and the fact that all of B'nai Israel were in the loins of our ancestors) have “seen all that Adonai Eloheynu did before their very eyes” over those past 40 years since leaving Egypt.

Now they stand on this day, all of them (and us) before Adonai ready to enter the actual part of the covenant promised so long ago to Avraham avinu. The covenant made between HaShem and Avraham is upon them, just a Jordan’s crossing away. That covenant will now be expanded upon and “established” with B'nai Israel and even the stranger among them who has committed themselves to HaShem and His Torah. This promised establishment of the covenant is not limited just to those standing there in front of HaShem and Moshe but the Torah adds a unique qualifier:

“I make this covenant with its sanctions (blessings and curses), not with you alone, but both with those who are standing here with us this day before Adonai Eloheynu and (but also) with those who are not with us here this day.” [Deuteronomy 29:13-14]

I find great comfort in that promise from HaShem, spoken by Moshe Rabbenu. This ancient covenant is still in effect for all of Israel and those who bind themselves to them and HaShem through the keeping of his eternal Torah.

The G-d of creation was thinking of me, of you, even all those millennial ago. We were a part of His covenant, His promise, His plan and His love thousands of years before we were even here in the flesh.

In summation I quote the words of Melekh Shlomo:

“The sum of the matter, when all is said and done. Revere HaShem and observe His Torah! For this applies to all humankind; that HaShem will call every creature to account for everything unknown (all their conduct), be it righteous or evil.” [Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14]

Shabbat Shalom and L’shana tovah u’metukah tizku l’shaneem rabot