Thought of the Week: Netzavim-Vayelech - 5771

PREPARING FOR THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT

We read Pareshat Nitzavim before Rosh Hashanah with an understanding that the messages of the portion are here to prepare us for the Day of Judgment.

After being warned not to be tempted by the life-styles of the dwellers of Cannan the Torah adds “Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Hashem, to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison. When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, peace will be with me, even though I persist in going my own way.”

What we are being told is that a person who believes that he can survive on his own without being part of a community is destined to fail. We must view ourselves as part of the community of Israel to merit the mercy of Hashem. We have the right to beseech the Al-mighty as a child when we recognize, value and are concerned for all His dear children.

May all our prayers be answered among the prayers of Kllal Yisrael!

Shabbat Shalom.