Preparing for a Fresh Start: Insights from Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Good morning, everyone. As we approach the final Shabbos of the year, Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech, I'm sending this message as a zechut (merit) for the aliyah of the neshama of Mrs. Malka Cohen aliyah shalom, who passed away last Erev Rosh Hashanah, and for a speedy and complete healing for Shloime ben Yehudis and Moishe Menachem Mendel Zimmel ben Sora Leah.

From Stubbornness to Blessing: Life's Attitudes

The Baalei Mussar teach us a profound message from the last four parshiot of the Torah regarding our life attitudes:

• Nitzavim (Standing Firm): If you are stubborn and unwilling to move or accommodate others, those around you will eventually distance themselves.

• Vayeilech (And He Went): People will abandon you if you are inflexible.

• Haazinu (Listen): If you lend a listening, compassionate ear, and truly hear others, this is the greatest blessing.

• Zot HaBracha (This is the Blessing): Such an attitude brings immense blessing.

This is the core message we carry into the end of the year.

Rosh Hashanah: A Clean Slate, Not Just a Reckoning

Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, falls on the very first day of the new year. This is unique. In business, inventories and summaries are usually done on the last day, followed by a fresh start. Hashem, however, places judgment on the first day. Why?

Hashem is telling us: past mistakes, unfulfilled goals, discouragements – all of that is behind us. Now is a new beginning, a bright future. The theme of Rosh Hashanah, Chag HaKashe (the holiday of covering), hints at Hashem's willingness to "cover up" all past errors if our teshuva (repentance) is sincere.

Imagine a prisoner, remorseful and transformed after 10 years, seeking a new life. Despite his change, his past makes it hard for companies to trust him. We, too, might feel our old habits will resurface. But Hashem promises a complete reset on Rosh Hashanah, not dwelling on the past, if our teshuva is genuine.

Reuven: The First True Baal Teshuva

Chazal teach that Reuven was the first true Baal Teshuva (returnee to Hashem). Unlike Adam and Kayin, who repented out of fear after being directly called out by Hashem, Reuven's teshuva came from the depths of his heart, without external rebuke. He felt the profound need to atone for his actions.

This teaches us that true teshuva originates from within, a sincere desire for amends. On Rosh Hashanah, "Atem Nitzavim HaYom" – "You are standing here today." We cannot escape. We must accept responsibility for our actions and not blame external circumstances. As Rav Dessler teaches, courageous individuals move forward, out of their comfort zones, constantly striving for growth.

Eradicating Negative Roots and the Power of the Shofar

Moshe warns Am Yisrael about the potential for a "bad root" (shoresh porah) to exist amongst them – evil thoughts that, if unaddressed, can grow and lead to negative actions. Interestingly, the letters of "shoresh porah" (ש פ ר) spell "shofar" (שופר).

When we feel overwhelmed or lacking inner strength, the shofar on Rosh Hashanah serves as a powerful means of change. Its sound penetrates our hearts, awakening us like a lion's roar, inspiring us to make positive decisions. It reminds us that "Le'Dovid Hashem Ori" – Hashem is our light, and we all possess the inner strength and talents to improve.

Uncovering the Heart and Our Responsibility to Others

The Torah also states, "U'Mal Hashem Elokecha Et Levavcha" – "Hashem will circumcise your heart." Chazal link this to Elul, explaining that just as brit milah purifies the body, Hashem helps us purify our hearts. When we commit to bringing the "Aleph" (Hashem's presence) into our lives, Hashem provides the spiritual strength to achieve our goals.

We are all connected, "Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh LaZeh" (all Jews are responsible for one another). This means we have responsibilities towards others. The Torah says, "HaNiglot Lanu U'L'Vaneinu" – that which is revealed to us (what we see and can help with) is our responsibility. Hashem does not ask the impossible; He only asks that we act on what we can do.

Even in times of Hester Panim (hiddenness of Hashem's face), when things are challenging, we must believe that Hashem is always there, waiting for us to call out. In the morning prayers, we say "Emet V'Yatziv" (truth and firm), reflecting strength. At night, we say "Emet V'Emunah" (truth and faith), strengthening our emunah when we feel weak or uncertain.

The Nearness of Mitzvot and The Song of Torah

"Ki Karov Elecha HaDavar Me'od" – "For the matter is very near to you." The mitzvot, especially teshuva, are not distant. You don't need to travel far or climb mountains. "B'Ficha U'Vilvavcha La'asoto" – "in your mouth and in your heart, to do it." The greatest changes begin within us, with our thoughts and words leading to action.

Finally, Moshe instructs us to write down the Shira (song) of Haazinu and the entire Torah. When we learn and live by Torah, it should be a source of joy and inner peace, not a burden. Our observance should be a "Shira," a song that radiates happiness and inspires those around us.

As David HaMelech said, "Achat Sha'alti Me'eit Hashem, Otah Avakesh – Shivti B'Veit Hashem Kol Yemei Chayai" – "One thing I ask of Hashem, that I seek – to dwell in the house of Hashem all the days of my life." This teaches us our ultimate priority: serving Hashem with joy through Torah study.

On this last Shabbos of the year, let us embrace it as an uplifting Shabbos, bringing menucha (rest) and nefesh (soul comfort). As we begin the Selichot (penitential prayers), may we feel privileged to pray to Hashem, the Master of Blessings.

May the last Shabbos of the year be a wonderful and inspiring one for each of you. Good Shabbos from Yerushalayim!