As the Jewish calendar approaches the Days of Awe, we read Parashat Nitzavim. Its opening words are both striking and timeless: “You are all standing today before the Lord your God.”
Moses gathers the people — leaders and elders, men and women, strangers and water-drawers alike — to affirm the covenant with God. The Torah’s message is clear: no one is left out, no one is too small, no one stands apart. The essence of Jewish destiny is found in togetherness.
This lesson resounds with special urgency today. The world feels shaken by conflict, division, and uncertainty. Many communities face growing polarization, whether political, social, or spiritual. And yet, the Torah insists: “kulchem” — all of you — must be present. The covenant and the future of the Jewish people cannot rest on a select few; it demands the hearts and shoulders of us all.
Nitzavim also speaks of return. “And you shall return to the Lord your God… and He will gather you from all the nations.” It is a vision of resilience and homecoming. The Jewish story is not only about survival but about renewal — about rediscovering our highest selves even after wandering and loss.
In the world around us, this call to return echoes powerfully. People everywhere are seeking reconnection — to their roots, to their traditions, to their communities, and to values that give life meaning. In an age of distraction and disconnection, teshuvah is not only about repentance but about realignment, remembering what truly matters, and finding the courage to live by it.
Parashat Nitzavim assures us that the path is never too distant. “It is not in the heavens… nor beyond the sea… but very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it. ”At a time when global challenges can feel overwhelming, this verse is a balm. Change does not begin with world powers or grand institutions, but with each individual choosing kindness, responsibility, and faith.
This Shabbat, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, Nitzavim invites us to stand together — across generations, backgrounds, and perspectives — to remember that our covenant is stronger than division, and that our future depends on choosing life, blessing, and unity.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen