Standing and Going

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

The parshiyos of Nitzavim and Vayeilech, which are joined this year, present an intriguing point for discussion based on their translation. “Nitzavim” means “Standing,” while “Vayeilech” means “He went” (from the root that refers to “going”). Nitzavim is about the way Moshe spoke to the great assembly of Israel who stood before him. He spoke of the eternal covenant between G-d and the people, and that it was attainable. “It is not far away,” Moshe declares. “It is in your heart to fulfill it.” This is the message that was said “standing” in one place, at the great assembly. What is the message of Vayeilech, the message which is related to “going”?

The Kilei Yakar explains that, after Moshe made it abundantly clear in Parshas Nitzavim that Torah was relevant and attainable, he found it necessary to go from home to home to speak with the people one-on-one. Even though the concepts were made clear in theory, it still took a heart-to-heart personal talk with Moshe to empower the people. This was necessary because there is a natural tendency for people to think that they are not included in the gift of Torah for some reason or another. Some people think that Torah is just for the rich; others think it is just for the poor.  Some think it is just for the wise; others think it is just for the simple and trusting. The truth is that success in Torah is predicated on one simple phrase: The belief and optimism that it can be done, and the desire to do it.

In the book Battle-Plans by Rebitzen Heller and Rebitzen Rigler, the authors cite numerous stories to illustrate the crossroads of life, where a person can choose to achieve greatness simply by believing that it can be done or to fail by not having that belief. When one hears of a needy family without heat, one can nod their head sadly. Or, one can try to solve the problem by reaching out to others as one woman did. She ended up helping more than 40 needy families with donated heaters. At that crossroads in life, we know intellectually that someone could help. But Moshe went door to door to inform people that that someone could be you.

As we near the holiday of Rosh Hashana, let us each think of some area in which we are uniquely positioned to do good. Intellectually, we know that good can be done, but we might think that it would take someone wiser or simpler, or richer or poorer, than ourselves to accomplish it. Moshe went door to door to rally people to an important perspective. Wise, simple, rich, and poor are all circumstantial. The real quality that enables some to get things done is the belief that it can be done.

So, as we approach the new year let us think of what we can do and who we can partner with to do good. What was preached to the standing audience must then be shared “going,” as principles that can be implemented. May Hashem bless our efforts with success. May Hashem bless us and all of humanity with a blessed year.

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