September 26, 2008

Parshat Hashavua: Netzavim Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

The title of the Torah reading means standing (before God). Moses tells the people as they accept the covenant that they all stand before God at this moment, not just the men and not just the leaders, but all Israel enters this covenant, including all future generations. He warns anyone who thinks him/herself exempt, immune from the sanctions that God will not forgive such a person and will single him/her out for punishment.

But there remains the possibility of return to God. That person God will take back in love. (The word for return/shuv is the root of the term Teshuvah/ repentance. In this passage shuv refers both to Israel's return to God and God's return to Israel. The root word shuv appears 7 times in our reading.) Even outcasts have that opportunity available to them. God will make the returnee prosperous in all respects.

Moses assures Israel that obeying the Torah is not complicated or difficult or beyond the normal reach. It is not in heaven, but here available to us. God presents before us opportunities for life and prosperity or death and adversity and strongly urges us to chose life by loving God and heeding God's commandments.

Shabbat Shalom Candle lighting: Friday, September 26, 2008 6:42pm