In Parshat Nitzavim, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds us that Israel’s survival and mission in Eretz Yisrael depends not on politics or power but on living by Torah — a wisdom within reach, meant to illuminate all of human life and reveal Israel as the world’s “wise and discerning nation.”
Israel’s Unique Mission
This week’s Parsha, Nitzavim, presents Moshe Rabbeinu’s closing charge to Am Yisrael before entering Eretz Yisrael. Rather than dwell only on the mechanics of statehood — kings, judges, and governance — Moshe focuses on the true foundation of Jewish survival: Torah and mitzvot.
Am Yisrael is unlike any other nation. We did not arise “naturally” from history or geography. We were created by Hashem — redeemed from Egypt, formed at Sinai, and charged with a mission. Without Torah, the nation would never have endured. With Torah, we carry the destiny promised to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
Torah as Wisdom for the Nations
Moshe emphasizes that Torah is not only obligation but also wisdom:
“Guard and perform them, for it is your wisdom and your discernment in the eyes of the nations, who will hear all these statutes and say: Surely this is a wise and discerning people.” (Devarim 4:6)
Torah study and observance must reveal to the world the depth of Hashem’s wisdom. Judaism is not blind faith or mystery for its own sake; it is a rational, profound philosophy that illuminates all of human life.
“Not in Heaven” — Torah Is Within Reach
Moshe insists:
“It is not in heaven… It is not across the sea… For the matter is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.” (Devarim 30:11–14)
This declaration rejects the idea that Torah is unknowable or too lofty. As Rav Nachum Rabinowitz zt”l taught, Hashem gave us Torah to be studied, understood, and lived. Its wisdom is accessible — not to leave us bewildered, but to guide us to distinguish between truth and falsehood.
The High Holidays: Crowning Hashem
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we reaffirm Hashem as Melech HaOlam (King of the Universe). Our mission is to perfect the divine soul within us through the roadmap of Torah. Teshuva means not only repentance but also a renewed commitment to Torah study and practice, so that Israel will be recognized as the nation of wisdom it is meant to be.
The Eternal Lesson
Moshe’s final words remind us: Israel’s future in Eretz Yisrael depends on Torah. Not power, not assimilation, not foreign values — only by anchoring ourselves in Hashem’s revelation do we endure as His people, inspiring awe and respect among the nations.
May Hashem bless us in this New Year with strength to live our mission fully, as a “wise and discerning nation” in our eternal homeland.
Shabbat Shalom and Shanah Tovah.
