Parshat Nitzavim Vayelech 5780
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in the first pasuk in parshat Nitzavim, Atem Nitzavim Hayom Kulchem, you are all standing here today. Rashi explains (in pasuk 12) on the words Atem Nitzavim, that since Moshe was passing Bnei Yisrael over to Yehoshua, Asah Osam Matzavah. Moshe stood Bnei Yisrael up in assembly. What was the significance of Moshe Rabbeinu having Bnei Yisrael stand before Hashem in this orderly fashion?
The Sfas Emes teaches that having Bnei Yisrael stand in place was to stress the words of Chazal in the Gemara in Berachos 34B, Makom She’Ba’alei Teshuva Omdin, Tzadikim Gemurim Eiyn Omdin. The place of a Ba’al Teshuva is very special; even a complete Tzadik can’t stand in such a place. And Bnei Yisrael were Ba’alei Teshuva, having sinned during the chet ha’egel, and yet here they were, about to enter Eretz Yisrael. Therefore, Moshe had them standing together, stressing their unique status as having survived the serious sin of the golden calf, and elevating themselves through Teshuva to the level of a unified nation about to enter Eretz Yisrael. They were standing before Hashem as Ba’alei Teshuva.
The parsha begins with Teshuva and ends with Teshuva. Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael that in the future, all of Bnei Yisrael will do Teshuva and be redeemed from exile. As the pasuk says (Chapter 30, Pasuk 2), V’Shavta ad Hashem Elokecha V’Shamata BeKolo; you shall return to Hashem and listen to Him. And in the next pasuk, V’Shav Hashem Elokecha es Shevuscha V’Richamecha; Hashem will bring you back from exile and have compassion upon you. And lest you despair and think this can’t happen, Atem Nitzavim Hayom; your standing here today in your place as Ba’alei Teshuva is an indication of the power of Teshuva. You have shown that this is possible.
The Gemara in Avodah Zarah 4B teaches in the name of Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi that Bnei Yisrael only sinned with the golden calf in order to give an opportunity and encouragement to Ba’alei Teshuva in the future. Rashi explains that in actuality Bnei Yisrael were on a level that they should have been able to overcome their yetzer hara for idolatry and not sinned. They sinned because Hashem decreed that they should sin and do to Teshuva in order to encourage future potential Ba’alei Teshuva who might otherwise despair from having sinned. Bnei Yisrael showed it was possible and presented an example and a model for the future.
We learn from this Gemara that when Moshe told Bnei Yisrael Atem Nitzavim Hayom Kulchem, he was speaking to us today as much as he was speaking to them. He was encouraging future generations and members of Bnei Yisrael who struggle and attempt to follow His way but fall short. Don’t despair; rather read this parsha and see how Bnei Yisrael were standing tall, having reached the envious status of Ba’alei Teshuva. Just as the Gemara in Avodah Zarah teaches Bnei Yisrael sinned for our benefit, so too the beginning of parshat Nitzavim is also for our benefit.
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, there is much uncertainty in the world. From political uncertainty to the major public health and subsequent economic challenges facing the entire world, we live in trying times. But the one constant is our potential for change. The promise and encouragement for doing Teshuva ought to inspire us once again as we stand before Hashem hoping to emulate our forefathers standing before Hashem. Atem Nitzavim Hayom.
Good Shabbos
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