MY DAILY LIFE TORAH COACH:
Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Each year on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah and the morning of Yom Kippur, we read Parashot: Nitzavim and Vayelech. The parasha takes place on the very last day of Moses’ life. The Israelites have come to the Jordan River, ready to enter into the Promised Land, and they are met with another challenge. Until this day, G-d told the Israelites what to do. Now everyone is given a choice to enter into a Brit (covenant) with G-d to follow commandments and statutes, or face the consequences. It is now up to each of us to decide for ourselves what is the right thought, action.

But we have been following Moses all these 40 years—how can we possibly remember everything that we are supposed to do without him? G-d understands that dilemma. As Joshua is chosen by G-d to replace Moses to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, G-d directs Moses to write a song that each person can tell their children, to ensure the covenant will be remembered. “And Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song until they were finished.” And with that, the word and the responsibility was passed to each individual.

Each year, we should reconsider and recommit to our covenant with G-d to create a just and caring world. It is not the words of the Torah alone, it is the song in our hearts and souls.

May each of you embrace this opportunity to stand together, reaffirming what is in our hearts and souls and working towards the dignity and welfare of each and every individual.