1. Atem Nitzavim Hayyoyim – The Deeper Meaning
As we begin reading the portion of Atem Nitzavim Hayyoyim Kulcham—“You are all standing today”—it is well known from the Zohar and other sources that this phrase carries a deeper meaning. While on the surface it refers to Moshe Rabbeinu gathering and recommitting the Jewish people before his passing, Chazal explain that Hayyoyim—“today”—also alludes to Rosh Hashanah. The portion of Atem Nitzavim is called Yoyma Yedidina Rabba, the day of great judgment, which is Rosh Hashanah.
This teaches us that before Rosh Hashanah, we are all standing before Hashem as He sits on His throne as HaMelech HaMishpot—the King of Judgment—and HaMelech HaKodesh—the Holy King. Each of us passes before Him, and Hashem judges us, granting a good and sweet year and sealing us in the Book of Life.
2. The Power of Unity in Judgment
The Torah emphasizes: Atem Nitzavim Hayyoyim Kulcham—“You are all standing today, all of you.” The verse lists ten categories, encompassing every Jew. Chassidus explains that Nitzavim means not just standing, but standing strong and victorious. On the day of judgment, we stand strong because we are meritorious and win the judgment, being written and sealed for good.
The key is found in the word Kulcham—“all of you together.” Our strength comes from unity. Just as a single stick can be broken easily but a bundle cannot, so too when we stand together as one, we are unbreakable and certain to be Zoycha B’din—meritorious in judgment.
3. Blessing Through Togetherness
This idea is reflected in our prayers: we say Borchenu Avinu Kulonu K’echot—“Bless us, our Father, all as one.” Hashem’s blessings come when we are united. This serves as an extra encouragement as we approach the new year: unity is essential for success in judgment and for receiving Hashem’s blessings.
4. Preparing for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and especially Yom Kippur, it is important to ask forgiveness from anyone we may have wronged during the year. However, unity goes beyond just seeking forgiveness for atonement’s sake. While Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and Hashem—bein adam laMakom—sins between people require reconciliation with others.
The concept of being together—Hayyoyim Kulcham—is crucial for preparing ourselves spiritually for Rosh Hashanah. It reminds us that our readiness depends on our unity with others.
5. Practical Steps – Increasing Ahavas Yisrael
The Rebbe emphasized before Rosh Hashanah that everyone should increase their care for others—Aves Yisrael, love for fellow Jews—especially through giving tzedakah so that everyone has what they need for Yom Kippur. This practical expression of unity ensures that each person’s needs are met and strengthens our collective merit.
This focus on unity and caring for one another helps each individual and the entire community to be blessed with a good year together.