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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- D'varim
- Nitzavim
The word "nitzavim" itself is important in conveying the above message to us in clarity and perspective. The word means not only present and accounted for but it also means erect and formidable. Moshe fears that the Jewish people will somehow feel itself as not being worthy and strong enough for the rigors of the covenant. He therefore reminds them of their true strength and capabilities. Moshe knows that the lack of self-belief and self-confidence will automatically defeat the intent and goal of the covenant. If someone says to one’s self that "I cannot do it" then that certainly becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and failure. Moshe reminds the Jewish people that they are "nitzavim" - strong, capable, resilient and can stand up to all crises and problems. Moshe appeals to their self-image and inner strength. This attitude is certainly necessary and correct in this period of time before the High Holydays. One cannot appeal to God so to speak on the basis of personal incompetence and weakness of will and vision. It is like requesting further cash flow from lenders into an obviously failing venture. When we pass before our Creator on the Days of Judgment just ahead we should do so with bent backs and strong hearts. We can and should say "Continue to invest in me and my family and generations. We will not desert the covenant nor shall we fail You."
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part I
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Our King on Rosh Hashana, Our Father on Yom Kippur.
Based on Aroch Siach, p. 221 (Rav Shaul Yisraeli)
P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part II
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
Parashat Hashavua Happiness for the Right Reasons
[With painful longing, we share these divrei Torah from our co-Rosh Kollel for close to 40 years, Harav Moshe Ehrenreich zt”l.]
