1. The Torah Reading Cycle and the Approach of Rosh Hashanah
This week, we have a double portion: Nitzavim—Standing Firm, and Vayelech—And He Went. We are nearing the end of the Torah reading cycle, with only the portion of Haazinu—Give Ear—remaining before the festivals. The next Shabbos will coincide with Rosh Hashanah, so there will be no regular Torah portion read then. Instead, Haazinu is read on Shabbos Shuvah, which falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. After that, it will already be Sukkos, leaving us with very few portions left to read in this cycle.
2. Moshe’s Gathering and the Meaning of Nitzavim
The opening verse of Nitzavim recounts Moshe Rabbeinu gathering all the Jewish people before his passing. He tells them: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem—You are all standing today. The word nitzavim means more than just standing; it connotes being anchored or firmly established. We are anchored today because we are united—kulchem, all together. When there is unity among us, we become strong and unmovable.
The Torah lists various categories present: leaders of tribes, the elite, as well as simple people like wood choppers and water drawers. The message is that everyone is included in this unity. True togetherness is not just a physical gathering but a deep connection where each person respects and values the other, regardless of their status or level.
This unity gives us collective strength. Just as every part of the human body has its unique role—the brain may be more vital than the feet, but without feet, even the brain cannot move forward—so too every Jew contributes something essential to our people as a whole.
The analogy is given: a single stick can be broken easily, but a bundle of sticks bound together cannot be snapped. Our strength lies in our unity.
3. The Day of Standing: Hayom and Its Deeper Meaning
Moshe gathered everyone on the day before his passing—the seventh of Adar—to accept Hashem’s covenant together as one people. The Alter Rebbe explains that hayom—today—alludes not only to that historical day but also to Rosh Hashanah each year. Just as Bnei Yisrael stood united before Moshe’s passing, so too do we stand united before Hashem on Rosh Hashanah.
This is significant because Rosh Hashanah commemorates not the beginning of creation (which would have been 25 Elul), but rather the creation of man on the sixth day (Friday). Adam HaRishon recognized Hashem as King and called upon all creation to bow before Him (Bou nishtachave v’nichra lifnei Hashem ve’yotseinu—Let us bow down before Hashem our Maker). Thus, Rosh Hashanah is when humanity stands together to crown Hashem as King.
The key to being victorious in judgment on Rosh Hashanah is our unity: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem. We stand strong because we stand together before our King and Creator.
4. The Purpose and Nature of Moshe’s Covenant
Moshe gathered all levels of people for a specific purpose: to establish a covenant with Hashem (L’maan hakim oyscha hayom loy l’am—in order to make you His people). This was not merely symbolic but an act through which Hashem would become our God and we His nation, fulfilling promises made to Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov.
This raises a question: why was another covenant necessary if one had already been made at Matan Torah? At Sinai, forty years earlier, Bnei Yisrael accepted Hashem’s Torah with Naaseh v’nishma—We will do and we will listen—and entered into a covenant then as well.
The Rebbe explains that this new covenant was a reaffirmation or confirmation of the original bond. Over time, perhaps that connection could weaken or require renewal. Before his passing, Moshe reconfirmed our status as Hashem’s people so that it would be sustained for all generations.
5. The Deeper Meaning of Covenant: Everlasting Connection
A covenant (bris) signifies an unbreakable bond beyond logic or circumstance—a commitment that endures even when reasons for separation arise. Two friends who make such a pact declare their loyalty regardless of what may come.
If so, why would this renewed covenant need further reaffirmation? Rashi explains that this time Hashem “troubled Himself” to ensure that we would always remain in His presence (Lofanov la’am). It was not just about being His people in name but about always being close to Him spiritually.
This everlasting connection stems from Hashem’s promise to our forefathers never to exchange us for another nation. Whether we merit it or not, whether we behave properly or otherwise, we remain eternally bound to Hashem by virtue of this covenant.
6. The Baal Shem Tov’s Teaching on Jewish Identity
This theme connects with the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov (whose yahrzeit is Chai Elul). He taught that every Jew inherently belongs to Hashem’s nation—Lofanov la’am. No one can ever be lost or excluded from this bond: once a Jew, always a Jew.
If someone wishes to become Jewish through conversion they must accept all mitzvos; but if you are born Jewish you remain so by definition alone—nothing can sever that connection.
The Baal Shem Tov used this idea to uplift Jews who felt distant from learning or observance by reminding them they are beloved by Hashem simply because they are His people. This unconditional love inspired many Jews with confidence in their intrinsic worth and spiritual potential.
7. Parashas Vayelech and Hakel: Gathering for Inspiration
The next portion,Vayelech, introduces the mitzvah of Hakel—a national gathering held every eighth year during Sukkos following Shemitah (the sabbatical year). A platform was erected in the Temple courtyard where the king would read sections from the Torah aloud to men, women, and children alike.
This public reading served as inspiration at a critical moment: after a year away from work during Shemitah, Bnei Yisrael were about to return to daily life and needed renewed spiritual strength and focus on Torah values.
The king addressed everyone from an elevated platform so his words could reach all assembled in the courtyard (since not everyone could fit inside). The purpose was for everyone present—not just men but also women and children—to listen attentively and internalize awe for Hashem while recommitting themselves to Torah observance until next Sukkos.
8. Hakel Today: Unity and Spiritual Growth Inspired by the Rebbe
This year is designated as a year of Hakel—a time for increased gatherings modeled after this mitzvah even though its biblical form applies only at specific times in history. The Rebbe encouraged using this theme throughout the year by organizing events that bring Jews together for learning,
growth in mitzvos,
and strengthening commitment to Yiddishkeit.
The Rebbe constantly sought new ways to inspire greater achievement among Jews,
whether through campaigns like daily Rambam study or other communal initiatives.
His message was never to rest content with past accomplishments,
but always strive higher.
Hakel reminds us that unity empowers us:
Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem—togetherness brings strength.
By learning from one another,
helping each other grow,
and gathering often,
we prepare ourselves ultimately for the true Hakel when Moshiach comes
and we will all return together to Eretz Yisroel.