Beginning the week prior to Rosh Hashana, through the Aseret Yimei Teshuva and Yom Kippur, we spend our
days looking inward at our thoughts and actions over the course of the past year. Though Hashem has given us the
gift of Teshuva and the ability to completely erase any misdeeds, we all know how hard it is to face our Yetzer Harah and
conquer any temptations that it may place before us. In Parshat Nitzavim however, Hashem simplifies our internal battle,
almost removing any hardships in overcoming our evil inclination. In Devarim 30:19, Hashem says, ”I have set life and death before you, blessing and curse.
Choose life so that you may live.” Each year, thousands of people attend conventions, lectures and travel the world in search of
happiness and the meaning of life. In one statement, Hashem saves us each time and energy, supplying us with the key that so
many search for. Only by choosing the right path and following in Hashem’s ways will we ever achieve a meaningful and
enduring happy life.
At the beginning of this topic, Hashem says, - ”See that I have placed before you today life and goodness” (Devarim 30:15). R’ Moshe Feinstein highlights the word היום today, to make a beautiful point. It is often so easy to get wrapped up in your own actions and despite any desire to better ourselves, we feel hopeless and quit before you even make an attempt. Never should we think that our paths are set or fixed, but rather, each day a new life is given to be fulfilled and established. Regardless of one’s past decisions or actions, we have a chance each day to “choose life” and follow the true path of ultimate happiness.
Parshat Nitzvaim coincides each year both with Rosh Hashana as well as the start of a new school year. Starting a new beginning implies closing the doors on what once was and starting fresh; in school, our friends and families, our connection with Hashem and our relationship even within ourselves. May we each have the strength to embrace the opportunity of a new “yom” and new beginnings to have a year of much happiness and success in all areas of life.
K’tiva V’Chatima Tova! Have a beautiful Shabbat, Kayla Bluman
At the beginning of this topic, Hashem says, - ”See that I have placed before you today life and goodness” (Devarim 30:15). R’ Moshe Feinstein highlights the word היום today, to make a beautiful point. It is often so easy to get wrapped up in your own actions and despite any desire to better ourselves, we feel hopeless and quit before you even make an attempt. Never should we think that our paths are set or fixed, but rather, each day a new life is given to be fulfilled and established. Regardless of one’s past decisions or actions, we have a chance each day to “choose life” and follow the true path of ultimate happiness.
Parshat Nitzvaim coincides each year both with Rosh Hashana as well as the start of a new school year. Starting a new beginning implies closing the doors on what once was and starting fresh; in school, our friends and families, our connection with Hashem and our relationship even within ourselves. May we each have the strength to embrace the opportunity of a new “yom” and new beginnings to have a year of much happiness and success in all areas of life.
K’tiva V’Chatima Tova! Have a beautiful Shabbat, Kayla Bluman
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