Photo courtesy of Chabad.org
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY
There is so much in this week’s Parsha (Netzavim), especially considering how short it is. It is as though, knowing that we are approaching the High Holy Days, the lessons are crammed in so that we have material, no matter how the past year was for us individually or collectively. We are commanded to “stand” (the translation of the word Netzavim) together in unity; regardless of our individual status, we make up a part of a whole. We are told that the Torah is not a far off, lofty intellectual study guide but a practical “how to” manual that it is meant to be followed. We are also told about the final redemption and about freedom of choice – how we have the ability to choose correctly and wisely and the importance of “choosing life.”
If we are to sum up the Parsha, we would need to do so by its very name: Netzavim, stand. These are all great principles that we are taught but at their core, what they are telling us is to stand for stand up for these values. Stand together as one with unity and ground yourself as you make plans for the year ahead. Sure, we may be eager to get moving and to turn the page, but stand up first. We must learn to stand before we can learn to walk and so we need to make that first effort, to commit to these core values as our core values, and only then can we begin to take those steps. So let us get ready for Rosh Hashanah, let us prepare for the year to come and hope and pray that it is a good one and infinitely better than the year that was, but let us also take a moment to stand. Let us reaffirm our values and recommit ourselves to the greater goals we hope to accomplish in this world; by doing these; we will help ensure that the coming year – 5785 – is a year filled with health, happiness and all good things. Good Shabbos and Shanah Tovah!