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Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Torah, extracting profound insights and lessons that resonate with our modern lives. The joy lies in the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a Torah verse or story suddenly connects with our personal challenges, aspirations, and values. And when we engage in conversations about Torah with others, it becomes an interactive exploration, where diverse perspectives and interpretations enhance our understanding. These dialogues often spark excitement and intellectual curiosity, making the learning process both enjoyable and fulfilling. Torah becomes a vibrant and dynamic part of our lives, offering not just guidance but also a source of endless fascination, connection, and growth.

NOTE: Don’t feel obligated to go through every source or answer all the questions—unless you want to. Even one source, or one question will give you plenty of material for discussion and meditation. Enjoy!

Parshat Nitzavim: Choosing Life

“See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil.”
(Deuteronomy 30:15)

“Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed.”
(Deuteronomy 30:19)

At some point in recent decades, people wore large t-shirts that said “CHOOSE LIFE” in bold letters. Some took it as a slogan to “live it up,” others as a religious message. Either way, the phrase caught on—because deep down, we all know life is about choices.

Moses tells Israel: “See, I have placed before you today life and good, death and evil.” Rashi explains that these are not two separate tracks but two realities that go hand in hand: when a person chooses what is good, they are choosing life. When a person chooses evil, they are choosing death.

Later in the passage, Moses urges: “And you shall choose life.” This is not only about biological life, but about the quality of life—a life connected to G-d, rooted in moral truth, and filled with meaning.

Choosing vs. Drifting

Notice that the Torah does not phrase this as a strict command. Instead, it says: “Choose life.” Why? Because the value of this life depends on the fact that we actively embrace it.

We know this in our own experience. As children, we may have resisted school. As adults, we may choose to learn, and the difference is choice. We are more invested in what we freely embrace.

Rashi gives a parable: A father brings his son into a field and shows him many plots of land. He leads the boy to the best part and says, “Take this one.” G-d points us to the good, but He leaves it to us to make the choice.

Beyond Israel: A Universal Truth

For Israel, this passage is part of their covenant at the edge of the Promised Land. But the principle is universal. All humanity, Jew and non-Jew alike, is confronted with choices every day—between selfishness and kindness, between truth and falsehood, between G-d and idols.

For Bnei Noach, the Seven Commandments are the minimum framework for choosing life. But beyond that, every person can choose life by building integrity, compassion, and closeness to G-d into their daily existence. Choosing life means refusing to coast or drift; it means deciding to live uprightly, gratefully, and with moral clarity.

What This Means for Us

Choosing life is not abstract. It shows up in:

Each decision writes a piece of the story of our lives. And together, they shape whether we are truly “alive” in spirit—or only existing.

Now, reflect on the following questions:

  1. Where in my daily life am I simply drifting instead of making intentional choices?
  2. Do my choices bring me closer to G-d—or move me further away?
  3. How do I model life-giving choices for my children or those who look up to me?
  4. When I face moral crossroads, do I pause to ask: “What leads to life?”
  5. How can I bring more gratitude and uprightness into the choices I make today?

May we all be blessed this Rosh Hashanah to choose life—life of goodness, truth, and peace—and to be inscribed for blessing.

Shabbat Shalom! Shanah Tovah!

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By Rabbi Tani Burton

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI TANI BURTON ABOUT DE PARSHAT QUESTIONS

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