Moses stands before the Israelites at the end of his life and speaks to the entire nation as he is giving the last of his 613 mitzvot and transferring leadership to Joshua. There was urgency because, after forty years of leading the Israelites through the wilderness, Moses would not enter the Promised Land with them. The future was now left to be carried upon the people and through them to their near leader, Joshua.

This is the Torah portion Nitzavim, where Moses brings together all of the people in front of him: men and women, children, elders, leaders, and even the outsiders–and says, “You stand today, all of you, before the Lord your G-d.”

This wasn’t a roll call but more so a declaration of unity toward them. He came and told them that they each had a role to play within G-d’s hands. This in essence is similar to what we try to convey within BBYO; a place where every voice is heard, regardless of your background or leadership position, a place where everyone contributes toward one goal of building a stronger Jewish community and coming together for a common goal.

As we approach the High Holidays, we find ourselves heading toward a chance for a moment of reflection. We can rise up–whether as chapter or community leaders, and advocate on behalf of causes we believe in, or on behalf of our region’s/communities. 

For me, the most important message from this Parsha, comes from the words of Moses, “This commandment that I command you today is not too wonderful for you, nor is it far off. It is not in the heavens…nor is it beyond the sea…No, the thing is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it.”

These words teach us that the Torah is not some unapproachable ideal nor is our mission as leaders, we can all be a part of a community, to be an advocate, to stand up now for what we believe in. This Parsha, Nitzavim, literally translates to, “ones standing”, and we can be the ones who choose to stand and rise up. In the second of this week’s Parsha, Parshat Vayelech, Moses transfers his leadership to Joshua, showing that no leader–no matter how great –is indispensable. The story of the Israelites doesn’t end with Moses; it continues through Joshua and through the next generations. 

Both of these portions reflect the meaning of Nitzavim-Vayelech: “You are Standing: And He went”, describing Moses's final days, and his instructions for the community. These portions show that you should stand together as one community remains a strong front. So with this new year coming up, remember that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, and it’s up to us to continue that legacy.

Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah Begun, SJR 64th Regional Sh’licha