Nitzavim 2021

1“For this commandment that I command you today is neither hidden nor distant. It is not in the heaven saying, “Who will go up to heaven and take it for us and teach it to us so that we will then do it?” And it is not on the other side of the ocean so that we are saying, “Who will go across the sea and take it for us and teach it to us so that we will then do it?” For it is extremely close to you in your mouths and in your hearts to do it.” (Deut 30: 11-14).

2Which commandment is being referred to? Could it be the entire Torah and its 613 commandments? Why would we ask these questions? Is it in heaven or across the oceans? We know where it is. We were given it at Sinai and taught it for 40 years!

3The Midrash provides several approaches to respond to this problem. The first attempt by the Midrash claims that the Pasuk is referring to the study of Torah:

4“A fool sees the Torah and its enormity and immediately walks away. The wise person starts studying each day and after many years finally concludes the learning of the entire Torah.” (Midrash Rabbah Nitzavim Par 3)

5In the next approach by the Midrash is about the need to complete Mitzvot once started:

6Judah is faulted for starting to save Joseph saying “what benefit is it to kill him” having taken on the leadership role could have and should have insisted on sending Joseph back to his father. Instead, ”Let’s sell him“. Judah was severely punished with the death of his wife and his two sons.

7The Talmud tells a famous story of the “Bas Kol”. The Rabbis on occasion when embroiled in debate experienced a “Bas Kol”, a heavenly voice deciding which of the positions was correct. The dissenting group responded quoting our Parsha, “It isn’t in Heaven”. “Lo Bashamayim Hee” We are no longer bound by heavenly interpretation of the Torah. It is our Torah now and we are tasked with its interpretation.

8The Ramban and others understood the Pasuk referring to the Mitzvah of Teshuvah or repentance. It is in your mouths through confession and in your hearts through regret and determination.

9I believe that all these explanations are correct. We have been told by our Creator that we have in our selves certain greatness and power. We have been chosen for a mission and we need to complete that mission. Unlike Judah and others we will complete the mission and not back down. Through speaking we can spread the message of Torah throughout our own community and even throughout the world. If we speak with a true heart then our words will resonate. “That which comes from the heart enters into the heart”. On the surface it seems an immense task. If when we take it one day, one person, one message at a time we will reach a final conclusion. Then the return to G-d anticipated by the Ramban will happen.

10Dedicated to the memory of Joel Shulman A’H