1. The Structure of the Torah Reading Cycle
This week we read two portions: Nitzavim and Vayelech. We are nearing the end of the fifth book of the Torah, with only Haazinu and Vizoy Sabrocha remaining before we complete the annual cycle and begin again. Because the days are getting shorter, today’s class will be a bit briefer. Our focus will be on Parashas Nitzavim.2. Moshe’s Covenant with the Jewish People
At the beginning of this week’s parashah, we read about a significant moment: Moshe Rabbeinu, on the day before his passing, gathers all of Bnei Yisrael to reaffirm and expand upon the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. This covenant is an agreement that obligates the Jewish people to observe and fulfill the Torah. The verse states: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem—you are all standing today, lifnei Hashem Elokeichem—before Hashem your God. Moshe specifies who is present: leaders of tribes (rosheichem shivteichem), elders (zikneichem), officers (shoitreichem), all men, children (tapchem), women (nisheichem), converts (gercha asher b’kerev machanecha), and then two additional categories: wood choppers and water drawers (meichotev etzecha ad sho’ev meymecha).3. The Identity of Wood Choppers and Water Drawers
Who are these wood choppers and water drawers? Rashi explains that at this time, as Bnei Yisrael were about to enter Eretz Yisrael, some Kanaanites sought to join them by converting. Similarly, in later generations during Yehoshua’s leadership, there was a group called the Giv’onim who tricked Yehoshua into making a covenant with them by pretending to come from a distant land (see Sefer Yehoshua chapter 9). They wore old clothes and carried stale bread to appear as travelers from afar, seeking peace rather than war. After discovering their ruse, Yehoshua could not break his oath but decreed that they would serve as wood choppers and water drawers for the community. Rashi suggests that a similar event occurred in Moshe’s time—these individuals were not included among Bnei Yisrael simply as converts or regular members but were given this distinct status due to their unique circumstances.4. Were These Individuals True Converts?
A question arises: Did these wood choppers and water drawers actually become Jewish? If so, why are they listed separately from other converts? The answer seems to be that while they did join Bnei Yisrael through conversion, their entry was under special circumstances—in Moshe’s time openly, in Yehoshua’s time through deceit. This distinction is why they are mentioned separately in the Torah narrative. The difference between Moshe’s era and Yehoshua’s is significant: in Moshe’s time, those who joined did so openly without trickery; in Yehoshua’s time, their deception led to reluctance among Bnei Yisrael to accept them fully. Had they approached honestly, perhaps things would have been different.5. The Alter Rebbe’s Interpretation: Trust Versus Overthinking
The Alter Rebbe offers a deeper interpretation of these terms: choytev etzecha—wood chopper—can also mean “one who chops away counsel.” In life, we often overthink or try to outsmart situations with our own plans (etza—counsel or advice). There is a saying: “A mensch tracht un Got lacht”—a person thinks but God laughs. We make plans but ultimately Hashem decides. The lesson is to “chop away” excessive self-reliance on our own strategies and instead live with emunah—faith in Hashem—and simplicity. Even when dealing with worldly matters like business or household management, don’t rely solely on your own intellect or planning; trust in Hashem. Similarly, sho’ev meymecha—water drawer—represents drawing out pleasure from physicality. The Alter Rebbe teaches not to overindulge in material pleasures but rather elevate one’s life by focusing on higher spiritual goals and living with trust in Hashem.6. Blessing and Curse: Why Both Lead to Teshuvah
The parashah discusses how both blessing (bracha) and curse (klalah) can lead us back to Hashem through teshuvah. The verse says that when both blessing and curse come upon you, you will take it to heart and return to Hashem. Why mention blessings? Usually it is hardship that prompts spiritual reflection. However, if someone experiences blessings followed by challenges, the contrast awakens them even more powerfully than suffering alone would have done. When one has known good times before hardship strikes, it becomes clear something has changed—prompting introspection and return. But what about those who feel they have never had blessings? The Rebbe explains there is no such thing as having no blessings at all—sometimes we simply fail to recognize them because we take them for granted.7. Recognizing Everyday Blessings from Hashem
The Torah teaches that blessings are not strictly conditional on our behavior—rather, Hashem gives us blessings regardless so that we may use them for good purposes. The verse says “See I am giving before you today blessing and curse.” It does not say “if you listen you will get blessing,” but rather “that you will listen,” implying blessing comes first so we can use it properly. Hashem gives us life each day—energy, intellect, emotion—and asks us to use these gifts well by following His mitzvos so that our blessings endure. If one chooses otherwise (and everyone has free choice), negative consequences may follow. Every year at Rosh Hashanah we ask Hashem for another year filled with health, sustenance, nachas—good things for ourselves and our families. Even during challenging times like today if we focus on what we do have—our lives sustained by Hashem—we see His kindness. Hashem gives us credit like a storekeeper extending merchandise on credit even if past debts aren’t fully paid up yet! He forgives us even when we fall short because He wants us to use our new opportunities well.8. Teshuvah: Returning Closer to Hashem Before Rosh Hashanah
As Rosh Hashanah approaches we resolve anew each year to improve ourselves through teshuvah. While commonly understood as repentance for wrongdoing (such as hurting others or failing in mitzvos), there is also a deeper meaning: returning ourselves closer to Hashem. The word teshuvah, from Tashuv Hay, refers mystically to restoring the letter hay (from Hashem’s name) back up where it belongs after being brought down through our actions. This represents reconnecting our soul with its divine source. Elul is known as a month of compassion (rachamim). Compassion means helping someone even if they don’t deserve it strictly speaking—lifting them up regardless of merit. So too does Hashem lift us up during Elul and bring us closer despite our shortcomings. In summary: We explored who the wood choppers and water drawers were historically and spiritually; learned from the Alter Rebbe about living with trust rather than overthinking or overindulgence; discussed how both blessing and challenge can prompt return to Hashem; recognized that everyone has blessings if only we look for them; saw how blessings are given unconditionally so we can use them well; reflected on teshuvah as both repentance for wrongs done and deepening connection with Hashem before Rosh Hashanah. May this year be one of open connection with Hashem for all of us—a year where seeing His presence comes easily rather than being hidden behind challenges or confusion!