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Parashiot Nitzavim and Vayeilech, Based on the Hasidic Writings

Rabbi Joel M. Finkelstein, ASBEE, Memphis, TN 

The Role of Every Jew

Ishbitzer Rebbe: the portion begins by saying that all the Jews stand in the covenant, from the woodcutters to the water carriers, from the leaders to the strangers. Metaphorically it can refer to those who are spiritually on a low level. As the rabbis say, Jephtach in his generation is like Samuel in his generation. Although Jephtach was not the most holy person, he fulfilled his mission the best he could. The Rebbe says that Jephtach fulfills all of the needs of that generation. The message is that although we may fall very low at times, we may still be fulfilling the minimum requirements of this generation. Every Jew has his or her role. Every Jew is playing a holy role and an important role. It is the role destined for them at this time. 

A Silver Lining

Ishbitzer: you will return to G-d and hearken His voice. The voice is the inner blessing, for in every curse there is an inner blessing. Even aspects of self that we think are beyond repair, "from there G-d will gather and fetch you," He will find a way of fixing all aspects of us. The desire we had for bad, G-d will turn it around for good. 

How close it is

Ishbitzer: the Torah says that the Torah is very close to us. It is not in heaven. But isn’t it difficult to acquire Torah? Yes, the first ascent to Torah is tough, but once we ascend the mountain, it is very easy. We don’t have to restrict ourselves from this world just to do what the Torah demands. It is like a king who makes a high wall near his palace. Once you get over the palace it is easy to enter beyond that point. 

My Son the Jew

Ishbitzer: how can a person overcome the human nature implanted in him by his heredity, by his parents? Hakhel, the ceremony of all Israel gathering once every 7 years to hear the Torah. Why do the women bring the infants? To give reward to those who bring them (Talmud Hagigah 3a). This means that the antidote to hereditary bad traits is the implanting of good traits by the conscious efforts of the parents such as bringing them to school or shul. 

One of the crowd

Toldos Yaakov Yosef: Moses went and he told all this to the sons of Israel. He went with them because he wasn’t only giving the rebuke to them but to himself. If the leader is part of the generation, he is responsible too for any misdoings.

Bris

Sochatchover: Who needs a covenant? Covenants are only between two parties when there is no trust. The bris is necessary for times when the link to G-d is weak.  The blessings and curses are such that even when G-d punishes, there is love and connection to G-d. Shabbat is a covenant that even during the week there is still holiness. Our connection to G-d is not contingent on our behavior in a given generation.