7756 —אחדות עם ישראל לפני ראש השנה

B"H, Eve of Shabbat Kodesh Parshas Atem Nitzavim HaYom, 5721.

Brooklyn, NY.

To the sons and daughters of Israel in every place—may Hashem be upon you and grant you life.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

We find ourselves in the days of preparation for the new year that is coming upon us and all Israel for good and blessing. If in every matter our Torah—the Torah of Life—is our teacher and guide as Jews, this is certainly so and of special importance when it comes to preparing for a new year—a year for which we pray and hope will begin a new, much better life, improved in every respect.

The Torah portion of these days—Atem Nitzavim HaYom (“You are standing today”)—which is always read before Rosh Hashanah (and this is also alluded to in the word “HaYom,” which refers to Rosh Hashanah), gives at its very beginning guidance regarding the above: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem lifnei Hashem Elokeichem (“You are all standing today together before Hashem your G‑d”). Atem nitzavim—Jews must stand firm and unyielding—notwithstanding that they are “the smallest among all nations”—and this can be when they are connected and united together—kulchem (“all of you”).

But how is it possible to create a true and lasting unity among different people with distinct thoughts, interests, and aspirations? The answer is: lifnei Hashem Elokeichem (“before Hashem your G‑d”). The unity of all Jews is possible because they are already connected through their soul—the Divine soul—which is a “chelek Eloka mima’al mamash” (a literal part of G‑d above) found within every Jew without exception. And deeply contemplating that one stands before Hashem, Who is Elokeichem (“your strength and life”), brings out and actualizes the connection between one Jew and another, as well as between the individual and the community, in the fullest measure.

What is the goal and purpose of this unity? The Torah immediately explains: le’avdecha b’bris Hashem Elokeicha asher Hashem Elokeicha koreis imcha hayom (“to enter into a covenant with Hashem your G‑d which Hashem your G‑d makes with you today”)—so that you may enter into a covenant with Hashem by accepting His oath—a covenant that He makes with you today—anew. A covenant made “lema’an hakim oscha hayom lo l’am” (“in order to establish you today as His people”)—that you should be established as Hashem’s people—a people who conduct themselves, even in daily life, according to His Torah and fulfill all His instructions.

May it be His will that all the above be fulfilled by everyone in a good manner and to the fullest extent, and may the coming new year be a good and sweet year both materially and spiritually.

With blessings for being inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year with visible good.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that true Jewish unity comes from recognizing our shared Divine soul. This inner connection enables us to stand together firmly before Rosh Hashanah, entering into a renewed covenant with Hashem for a blessed new year.