Nitzavim: Standing United Before Hashem

Good morning, everyone! As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we reflect on this week's Parasha, Atem Nitzavim – "You are all standing together."

Moshe Rabbeinu's words remind us that as we prepare for Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, we stand before Hashem as equals. Regardless of our social, financial, or physical circumstances, Hashem sees each of us identically, according to our unique abilities and potential.

Standing Firm and United

The phrase Atem Nitzavim implies standing firmly, despite the challenges we may have faced throughout the year. The very fact that we can stand, sit, breathe, and pray before Hashem is a testament to His grace. Furthermore, we appear kulchem – all together. Hashem judges us not only as individuals but as a united nation, a community. As we know, Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Bazeh – all of Israel are guarantors for one another.

Our Responsibility: The Seen and the Unseen

Our Parasha emphasizes our collective responsibility. We must care for one another and be present for our fellow Jews. However, Hashem never demands the impossible. As my father, Zichrono LeVaracha, used to say, "Hanistarot LaHashem Elokeinu, Vehaniglot Lanu Ulevaneinu" – "The hidden things belong to Hashem our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our children."

• Hanistarot (The Hidden): There are aspects of life, events, or situations that are unknown to us or beyond our understanding. These, Hashem says, leave to Him.

• Haniglot (The Revealed): For those moments, actions, and connections we are aware of, Hashem says we have a responsibility. We must strive to improve what we can, both for ourselves and for others.

Just as a father rejoices in seeing the connection among his children, Hashem desires to see us caring for one another. Our individual good deeds are important, but Hashem also asks, "How are you helping your fellow Jews?" This is the essence of Atem Nitzavim Kulchem – our collective standing.

Rosh Hashanah: Crowning Hashem as King

As we approach the New Year and Yom Hadin, we ask ourselves: What qualities are needed? How must we prepare?

Rosh Hashanah is, first and foremost, the day of Hashem's crowning. We have recently witnessed much fascination with human royalty – its pomp and splendor, fleeting as it may be. This should serve as a wake-up call to reflect on Malchut Shamayim – the eternal royalty of Hashem, His reign over the world.

• Aleinu Leshabeach: This powerful prayer, recited daily and forming the beginning of the Malchuyot section on Rosh Hashanah, reminds us of our submission to Hashem. It was composed by Yehoshua after the miraculous conquest of Yericho, a seemingly impenetrable fortress. When the walls fell after seven days of circling and shofar blasts, Yehoshua wrote Aleinu to ensure we never forget Hashem's miracles.

• From "Ayin" to "Daled": The prayer Aleinu begins with the letter "Ayin" and ends with "Daled." Similarly, Achan, who sinned by taking from Yericho's spoil, confessed his wrongdoing using words starting with "Ayin" and ending with "Daled." This teaches that everything in this world bears witness to the greatness of the Ribbono shel Olam. Every word of Aleinu is crucial, reminding us of Hashem's sovereignty and our absolute dependence on Him.

Therefore, the first fundamental for Rosh Hashanah is recognizing Malchut Hashem – Hashem's Kingship.

Cultivating Humility and Dependence

Recognizing Hashem's Kingship demands humility. Whatever our achievements or successes, they are not our own; they are solely from Hashem's siyata d'Shmaya (Divine assistance).

• The Letter of Rav Yechezkel Levenstein: Rav Yechezkel Levenstein, the Mashgiach of Ponevezh Yeshiva, wrote a famous letter from America where he was gravely ill, to his students on Erev Rosh Hashanah. He explained that the Torah teaches Hashem looks at Eretz Yisrael "from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." The word "beginning" (reshit) is written without an "aleph," signifying that if at the beginning of the year you realize you have "nothing" (even if you possess much, you recognize it all comes from Hashem), then the year will be raish (successful) at its end.

• Praying Like a Pauper: When we pray on Rosh Hashanah, we should not dwell on our accomplishments. Instead, we should stand like a poor person who knows their entire future depends on every single word of prayer. This perspective cultivates a deep, heartfelt prayer, recognizing our profound need for sustenance, health, family, and everything else, all from Hashem. When we understand our absolute dependence on Him, every moment of prayer becomes precious and deeply meaningful. This complete submission to Hashem as our King allows us to present our personal needs with the confidence that our loyal King will provide for us, enabling us to serve Him.

The Mitzvah of Tefillah: Prayer from the Heart

The Torah states, "Ki Hamitzvah Hazot Asher Anochi Metzavcha Hayom Lo Niflet Mimcha Velo Rechoka Hi" – "For this commandment that I command you today, it is not hidden from you, nor is it far off." It is "very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it."

• What is this Mitzvah? Some interpret this as keeping the entire Torah, which involves words (mouth), thoughts (heart), and actions. Others say it refers specifically to the mitzvah of Tefillah (prayer). Prayer engages our thoughts, requires uttering the right words with the right kavanna (intention), and ultimately constitutes an action.

• Hannah's Prayer: On Rosh Hashanah, we read the Haftarah of Hannah, who was childless and prayed desperately at Mishkan Shiloh. Eli the Kohen blessed her, and a year later, she bore a son, Shmuel. Her profound prayer, which forms the basis for many parts of the Shemoneh Esrei and mentions Hashem's name 18 times, demonstrates that the impossible can become possible through heartfelt prayer.

Rosh Hashanah is a time when the impossible can turn into reality. Just as Yosef was freed from prison on Rosh Hashanah and rose to power, we too can free ourselves from our "prisons" – the situations that hold us back. Hashem listens to every word we say, and it is up to us to make the most of these two days of prayer.

The Shofar: Awakening and Transformation

Beyond prayer, we have the mitzvah of blowing the Shofar. What is its message?

• Clarity in Darkness: On Rosh Hashanah, the moon is covered, symbolizing the darkness and lack of clarity we sometimes experience. The Shofar's sound pierces this darkness, even when we lack the words to express our innermost desires to Hashem.

• The Holiest Place: My father, Zichrono LeVaracha, used to say that listening to the Shofar is equivalent to standing in the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) of the Beit HaMikdash. The Shofar possesses a divine power to awaken us and open our hearts.

• From Din to Rachamim: The Shofar, a bent instrument, symbolizes our bending in submission to Hashem. It has the power to transform Middat HaDin (strict judgment) into Rachamim (mercy). Hashem will judge us favorably because we understand the sanctity of this moment.

• Mesirat Nefesh: Rosh Hashanah is the time we recall the merit of Akedat Yitzchak – the Binding of Isaac – where Avraham set aside his feelings to fulfill Hashem's command, demonstrating profound mesirat nefesh (self-sacrifice).

  • Mesirat Nefesh is not only about giving up one's life. It can be practiced daily:

    • Remaining silent when insulted or hurt, choosing not to perpetuate conflict.

    • Not answering back when you are justified, but prioritize peace over being right. This is true mesirat nefesh – putting Hashem's will above our immediate desires or ego.

The Shofar carries our words, prayers, hopes, and good resolutions directly to Hashem, ensuring we are judged favorably.

Never Lose Hope: The Power of Perseverance

As we conclude, we reflect on the words "Kaveh Hashem, Chazak Ve'Yametz Libecha, U'Kaveh Hashem" – "Hope in Hashem; be strong and let your heart take courage; and hope in Hashem." Even when we feel broken and lack strength, we must never give up. As long as there is life, there is hope. Hashem can bring about the greatest miracles.

A Story of Silent Mesirat Nefesh

A young couple in Yerushalayim, not wealthy, loaned their small apartment to neighbors for two weeks. The wife, being very tidy, was hesitant, fearing a mess upon their return. However, they decided to do the chesed (kindness).

Upon their return, the apartment was neat, but a terrible stench filled the kitchen. They discovered the freezer had been unplugged, and all their frozen food had rotted. It was a significant financial loss and a monumental cleaning task. The husband, remembering their intention to do a mitzvah, convinced his wife not to confront the neighbors. They quietly endured two months of effort to remove the terrible smell.

Two months later, the husband received a call for a tzedakah (charity) raffle ticket. He bought one for a small sum. That night, he received another call: he had won the first prize – a brand new, top-of-the-line refrigerator and freezer!

This story beautifully illustrates that when you act with mesirat nefesh and humility, even enduring silent hardship, Hashem will always bring a happy ending.

May Hashem fulfill all your needs for good. Have a very happy New Year! Ketivah V'chatimah Tovah! Have a wonderful Shabbos, and this time, all my love from Yerushalayim.