* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
These words are dedicated to success in battle up north and in the south, and to peace for the nation of Israel on all fronts.
The last Shabbat of 5784 approaches. After an especially challenging year, how do we enter the new year? The farewell speech of Moshe Rabbeinu in this week’s parasha includes important principles regarding entry into the land of Israel and into the new year. Here is the weekly shiur on parashat Nitzavim-Veyelech:
1. This is the last Shabbat of the year. Many people do something special to honor it in order to distinguish it from all the other Shabbatot of the year.
2. On Motzei Shabbat (when Shabbat ends Saturday night) Ashkenazim also begin to say Selichot or penitential prayers in preparation for the new year that begins next week on Wednesday night and will last two days, with Shabbat arriving the day after.
3. This week we read two Torah portions — Nitzavim and Vayelech, the eighth and ninth Torah portions in the book of Deuteronomy. Moshe Rabbeinu’s farewell address to the nation includes words that serve as his will and testament to all of us.
4. This parasha speaks of our ability to rectify our deeds. Moshes Rabbeinu leaves us with many encouraging messages as he looks thousands of years into the future. With the following words, he assures us that the highest aspirations he envisions for us are easily within our grasp. “For this commandment which I command you this day is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us, so that we can fulfill it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us, so that we can fulfill it?’ Rather, [this] thing is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it.”
5. Following the Torah reading, we read the seventh and last of the haftarot of consolation that are read between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah. This haftarah speaks of joy, redemption, return to the land of Israel, and includes this famous verse: “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; all day and all night, they shall never be silent; those who remind the Lord, be not silent.”
Shabbat shalom, shana tova, and may you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.
