Community Torah Corner - September 19, 2025

This week's Parshah is parsashat Nitzavim. This parasha opens with these sentences:You stand this day all of you before God; the captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel. Your little ones, your wives, and the stranger who is in your camp, from the woodcutter to the water carriers. . .And not with you alone will I make this covenant and this oath. But with the one who stands here with us this day before God, and also with the one who is not here with us this day. (Deuteronomy 29:9-14)

The word “Nitzav” directly translates to “stand”. Well, what does it mean to just “stand”? Is this parsha just telling us to stand? No. Parashat Nitzavim is implying so much more. Nitzav doesn’t only mean to physically stand, it means being present and truly listening and attentive. 

In this Parshah, the people of Israel stand witness to the holy covenant, which reminds us when they stand by the mount sinai הר סיני to receive the 10 commandments.

Imagine you’re at Har Sinai. If you’re receiving something super important (like the 10 commandments), you’re not just going to stand and wait to receive it like you wait to receive any old assignment. This Parshah is telling us that we must come forward and be ready, willing, and listening in order to receive such important things. 

Nitzavim, tells us something that may seem obvious: The Torah is not in space. That is, we do not have to travel to the heavens or cross the seas to learn Torah. It is close to our hearts and our lips to live and observe (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).

This idea of standing present and willing also ties in to another important message that this Parsha provides. Nitzavim discusses the importance of mitzvot, and how easy they are to complete. In fact, most of us do mitzvot every day. Teshuvah (repentance) and mitzvot (commandments) aren’t some unattainable goal that you can never reach… Most of the time it’s right in front of you, waiting for you to stand willingly and grab it. 

The quote “The Torah is not in the sky” - not unreachable,  emphasizes the fact we all have a role to play in the Jewish community. We all get to make choices that impact our lives and the world around us. Moshe is encouraging the Israelites to take responsibility for their actions and live up to the values of the Torah, not because they have to be perfect, but because they have the power to grow, change, and evolve.

We don’t need to wait for a big event or dramatic moment to start making a difference! Mitzvot and Teshuvah are attainable on the daily! Whether it’s being a little kinder to a classmate, a little more patient on the court or field, or even a little more focused on your studies, each small step we take leads to real change. 

Also in this parsha, we found a precise sentence that summarizes Moses' words to the people who stood before him and told them, “Choose life so you and your children may live.” You have many choices in life. Choose correctly, Choose right. choose life for your own sake and for the sake of the generations that will come after you.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom