September 28, 2024
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshiot Nitzavim and Vayelech, which are often read together, are significant portions of the Torah that teach important lessons about Brit (covenant), Teshuva (repentance), and community.
In Nitzavim, Moshe gathers all of Bnei Yisrael before they enter Eretz Yisrael. He emphasizes that they are all standing “today” before Hashem, including leaders, elders, and even those who are not yet born but are considered part of the unbreakable bond, the Brit. This highlights the idea that everyone has a role in maintaining the covenant. Moshe reminds Bnei Yisrael of the importance of the Torah and to follow the mitzvot He stresses that this Brit is not just for
ONE BIG IDEA
In this week’s parsha, Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael, “What Iam commanding you today is not beyond your reach. It is not in heaven…nor is it beyond the sea… No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may do it.” We believe that Hashem is close to us, and we don’t need to travel to far away places to experience a relationship with Hashem. The Kotzker Rebbe, a very wise rabbi, once asked his students where Hashem can be found. After hearing his students’ interesting answers, he gave his own answer: wherever you let him in.
the present generation, but for future generations as well, ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people.
Moshe warns the people about the bad things that will happen if they turn away from the ways of Hashem. He explains that if they abandon the Brit, they will experience hardships and be sent out of Eretz Yisrael. However, he also reassures them that if they return to Hashem and do teshuva, they will be forgiven and restored back to Eretz Yisrael. This powerful message of hope emphasizes that it is never too late to turn back to Hashem.
In Vayelech, Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael that today will be his last day as their leader and that Yehoshua, Moshe’s student, will take over and lead them into Eretz Yisrael. Moses also writes down the Torah and instructs the Leviim to keep it safe, ensuring that the Torah will be safe for future generations. We learn about the mitzvah of Hakhel, which is observed on the first day of Chol Hamoed Sukkot following the Shmittah year (the year that the land in Eretz Yisrael can’t be worked). All of Bnei Yisrael - men, women, and even children - would gather in the Beit Hamikdash to hear the king read from the Torah. Bnei Yisrael receives the final mitzvah in the Torah - number 613! - that each person must write their own Sefer Torah.
Candle-lighting: 6:25 pm
Havdalah: 7:18pm
allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot…………………………..2 (2 Do’s in Vayelech)
Lines in the Torah ..............159
Pesukim .............................70
Words ................................1210
Letters................................4698
Year(s)................................2488
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
Nitzavim/Vayelech is 1 of 7 “double parshiot” (2 parshiot on 1 Shabbat) in a regular year. We double up parshiot because there are more parshiot in the Torah than Shabbatot in a year, especially when we include the times when chagim fall on Shabbat, and we read something from the Torah about the holiday rather than the parsha of that week. Did you know that in some years, because of the way the holidays fall out, Jews who live in Israel and Jews who live in America read different parshiot for several months of the year?
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
Went to shul
Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
Wore Shabbat clothing
Helped prepare our home for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. True or False: When a chag falls on Shabbat, we still read the parsha of that week.
2. True or False: Parshat
Nitzavim has no mitzvot in it.
3. Where can Hashem be found?
4. Thought question: How can it be that Jews who aren’t born yet can be part of the bond created between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael in the desert?
5. What is mitzvah #613 in the Torah?