בס "ד

The Torah portion of Nitzavim, which is always read just before Rosh Hashanah, serves as a spiritual and practical preparation for the Day of Judgment. Its name, “Nitzavim,” brings a message of strength before the day of judgment..

The word “Nitzavim” (standing upright) expresses stability, strength, and resilience. It comes to encourage us as we approach the Day of Judgment of Rosh Hashanah. Despite the fact that Rosh Hashanah is a day of judgment, our good deeds from the past year, and especially our inner repentance and resolutions for improvement, are what give us the strength to stand firm on this day. This resolve gives us the merit to stand before G-d with confidence and hope for a good judgment.

In contrast to the feeling that G-d’s commandments are an impossible feat, the Torah emphasizes that this is possible for all in the famous verse, “It is not in Heaven, nor is it beyond the sea.” This message is meant to encourage us and clarify that the Torah and its commandments are not at all far from us. They are accessible to every person, and it is within one’s power to fulfill them completely—in thought, speech, and action. This understanding gives us hope and strengthens our desire to do good, because everything is within our reach.

The portion presents us with a clear choice between two paths: “See, I have set before you today life and good, and death and evil.” Every person is always presented with these two options. The path of the Torah and its commandments is the path of good and life, while the path of sin is the path of evil and death. The portion assures us that we have the power to choose the path of good. And even more importantly, by choosing good, we also receive divine assistance.

These messages of Parashat Nitzavim are not limited to the Jewish people alone but are relevant to all of humanity. Just as the Jewish people stand before G-d on Rosh Hashanah, so too do all Noahides stand for judgment. They receive strength based on their good deeds and their choice of life, which is the fulfillment of the Seven Noahide Laws. Just as for the Jews, the commandments are not “in Heaven,” so too for Noahides, their seven commandments are very close and can be fulfilled in thought, speech, and action. Every person, whether Jew or Noahide, stands before the same free choice between good and evil, and by choosing to live according to the Divine truth, they ensure for themselves a sweet and blessed year.

Par le rabbin Moshe Bernstein

Source: Deuteronomy 11-20.



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