1. Atem Netzovim Before Rosh Hashanah
The Rebbe points out that we always read the parasha of Atem Netzovim—“You are all standing”—before Rosh Hashanah. The key message is that before entering Rosh Hashanah, we declare Atem Netzovim hayom kulchem—all of you are standing here today, meaning the entire Jewish people together as one.
The Torah enumerates all strata of the nation: Roshaychem (your heads), Shivteychem (your tribes)—the most distinguished individuals—down to the Choytevei eitzim (woodchoppers) and Shoyvei mayim (water drawers), who were considered the lowest level. However, it’s not because chopping wood or drawing water is inherently degrading. In fact, these tasks were performed for the Beis Hamikdash, which was an honor in itself.
2. The Origins of Choytevei Eitzim and Shoyvei Mayim
Rashi explains that these roles were assigned to certain groups due to their origins. In the time of Yehoshua, there was a nation called the Givonim who tricked Yehoshua into letting them join the Jewish people. They were actually cruel and vengeful by nature, not fit for conversion due to their character. But after deceiving Yehoshua, they were accepted and designated as water carriers and woodchoppers as a distinction.
Rashi notes that something similar happened in Moshe Rabbeinu’s time—other people joined Bnei Yisrael who weren’t worthy, and they too became Choytevei eitzim v’shoyvei mayim. The Torah hints at this by saying gam heim—they also were made into these roles—indicating a precedent from earlier times. Thus, these individuals represent those who are technically part of Klal Yisrael but originate from outside or lower status.
3. The Message of Kulchem: Unity Despite Differences
The essential message is that once someone is part of Klal Yisrael, regardless of their background or perceived level, it must be Kulchem—everyone together. The Rebbe illustrates this with an analogy to the human body: just as every organ and limb contributes to the body’s wholeness, so too every Jew contributes something unique to the nation.
The head may be more distinguished than the legs, but without legs, a person is limited in action. Each part brings completeness to the other. Similarly, every Jew has a role and value within Klal Yisrael, no matter their status or origin.
4. The Covenant: Love Beyond Reason
This unity is especially necessary before Rosh Hashanah because we are entering into a covenant (bris) with Hashem. What does a covenant mean? Often love between people is based on some reason—admiration for qualities or hope for reciprocation. But if that reason disappears, so might the love.
A covenant means binding oneself to another beyond any rationale or intellect—a commitment that endures regardless of circumstances or changing perceptions. This is what happens on Rosh Hashanah between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael: Hashem’s love for us isn’t dependent on our performance or worthiness alone—it’s an essential connection.
5. Emulating Hashem’s Unconditional Connection
The Rebbe explains that if we can relate to other Jews in this way—beyond intellect or judgment—then Hashem reciprocates with us similarly. Even if one considers himself more learned or distinguished than another Jew, true unity means appreciating every Jew at their essence, beyond external differences.
This sometimes means recognizing that those perceived as lower may actually have a deeper connection with Hashem in certain ways. If we devote ourselves to others in this unconditional manner, Hashem binds Himself to us with an unbreakable bond as well.
6. The Unique Role of the “Lowest” Jews
The Rebbe notes something remarkable: those considered lowest—the Givonim and others who entered through trickery—were actually privileged to serve regularly in the Beis Hamikdash as water drawers and woodchoppers. Most Jews did not have this constant access.
This teaches us not only tolerance but genuine appreciation for every member of Klal Yisrael, regardless of how they entered or where they stand socially or spiritually.
7. Blessing Through Unity Before Rosh Hashanah
This unity brings about blessing: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem—all standing together—to enter into the covenant so we can continue to flourish and be blessed for a good year ahead.
This is why before Rosh Hashanah we emphasize this message: when we accept each other fully and stand together as one nation before Hashem, He accepts us and grants us blessing for a sweet new year—K’siva v’chasima tova u’mesuka, may we all be inscribed and sealed for good and sweet things in the coming year.