Nitzavim -Vayelech

This week’s Parshah famously contains the section on repentance. This section is couched in language that refers to the nation and its destiny. It thus refers to a twofold return: the return of Israel to G-d and the return of Israel to its Land. It postulates a revolutionary, though vital, proposition. Human actions can over turn historical circumstance and a change in human behaviour can be effective in changing historical realities. Thus the Torah in the rebuke section of last week’s Parshah threatens as a punishment for disobedience that the people will be removed from the Land and scattered to the ends of the earth. This week’s Parshah promises that if they return to G-d they will be taken from those very same geographical extremities and returned back to the Land. This postulation is based on the idea of the possibility of change. Not only seeming historical certainties but also seemingly ingrained attitudes can change, leading to the possibility of creating a radical new reality. This is an important lesson for our time. In many areas of Jewish life it is possible to succumb to despair. The Torah teaches us that this is a mistaken attitude. We can change ourselves and others and thus also the situation we live in. One example concerns attitudes in Britain to Israel. Many may think that hostility to the Jewish state and increasingly to Jews is a fact of life. There is little we can do about it. Yet a statue in Liverpool St station suggests otherwise. It commemorates the fact that 70 years ago Britain opened its doors to fleeing Jewish children, and in fact, did more than probably any other country to save Jews. This shows that attitudes to Jews and indeed Israel are not an unmovable part of the British psyche but were different once and can change again. As Jews can be in their land, exiled and returned, so too can attitudes change and change back. The Torah teaches us, however, that that change will not come about by itself. It is dependent on us. If we believe nothing can be done, nothing will change. If we believe that we can make a difference and adjust our attitude and actions accordingly, the Torah promises us that we can succeed in changing the world. That is a major challenge facing the Jewish community of this country in the coming year. Do we have the courage to act and the belief in our cause to change Britain and the world.

ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS

Rishon	The covenant with all generations. Breaching the covenant will lead to exile and desolation.
Sheni	If Israel returns to G-d in exile, he will return them to the Land.
Shelishi	The return of prosperity. The Torah is available to all.
Revi’i	Moses sets before the people the choice of life and death. The last day of Moses’ life.
Chamishi	The writing of the Torah.  The mitzvah of Hakhel.
Shishi	After Moses’ death the people will sin and be punished.
Shevi’i	Moses writes his song as a witness against the people.
Haftorah	Isaiah; 61;10-63;8: G-d will stand by Israel throughout all their troubles.

 

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Parshat Netzavim - Vayelech

WEEKLY HALAKHA

 It is customary not to eat nuts or sour foods on Rosh Hashanah.