Nitzavim 5772

At the end of this week’s parsha Moshe (Moses) tells the Children of Israel: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. You shall choose life, so that you and your offspring will live.”

Why did the people need to be instructed to choose life? Wouldn’t they have chosen life on their own accord? How would choosing life ensure that their children would live?

Rabbi Naftali Reich on torah.org cites the explanation of Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona: “Our decision to embrace the values of the Torah should not be based solely on our obligation to G-d to obey His will. Rather, we should embrace it with a profound appreciation of its awesome power and eternal truths.  We should appreciate fully that the Torah, which is the word of the Creator of the universe, is the true source of life – the only source of life…Developing this outlook with regards to developing a relationship with G-d is not only to ensure that we have the proper attitude. It is to raise us to a higher level, to make us servants who serve their lord out of exuberant joy rather than sullen observance.”

“[It follows that] if parents fulfill their obligation to G-d as if it were a burden upon them, the children may choose to do even less. However, if children see their parents living by the wisdom and guidance of the Torah with joy and enthusiasm, the children will associate their precious Jewish heritage with the essence of life itself. Then they, too, will choose life.”

The parsha reminds us how accessible are G-d and His Torah: “For this commandment which I command you this day is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven that you shall say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us so that we can fulfill it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us so that we can fulfill it?’ Rather, [this] thing is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it.”

Writes Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: “G-d is close. G-d is here. G-d is life. Therefore celebrate life. Sanctify life. Turn life into a blessing and make a blessing over life. That is Judaism in 25 words."

“I promise you that whatever you choose to do, living a Jewish life will help you do it better, with greater balance, more wisdom, more joy, a deeper sense of purpose and a feeling of having been touched by eternity.”

Dear fellow parents, may the G-d of life write you and your children in the Book of Life, and may your lives become a blessed chapter in His book. Shana tova u’metuka – may the New Year 5773 be good and sweet!