Parashat Nitzavim
19th September 2025
Week of 14 – 20 September 2025
Torah portion : Deut. 29:9-30:20; Haftarah: Isa. 61:10-63:9
Theme: “Open the path for the people. (panu derekh = Isa. 62:10-11)”
In the poignant passage of Nitzavim “נצבים“ (“Standing”), Moses stands before the Israelites, passionately underscoring the vital importance of adhering to God’s sacred covenant while denouncing the worship of foreign deities. He intricately describes the profound process of repentance, illustrating the path of returning to God’s embrace, and emphasizes that God’s commandments are not only practical but also accessible, asserting that they are “not in the heavens.” The promises woven throughout this passage resonate not only with the chosen people endowed with divine favor but also extend inclusively to those absent, reaching even those beyond the immediate community. This notion of inclusivity shines brightly in the opening verses, where it is articulated: “But it is not with you alone that I am making this covenant…, but with those who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord, our God, and with those who are not here with us today.”
The breadth and depth of the covenant established with the Almighty speak directly to our individual journeys, revealing a captivating invitation to recognize the universality of the Creator and the profound significance of the covenant that binds us all. (see ETZ HAYIM Deut. 29:9-30:20 p1158-1172).
(Ibid.) Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20 is truly a significant passage in the Book of Deuteronomy, especially when we reflect on ParashaT Nitzavim. This section powerfully illustrates the renewal of God’s covenant with Israel, highlighting the deeply important choice between life and death, blessings and curses. It reminds us that our obedience to God’s law is foundational to our relationship with Him. (Ibid.)
Within this passage, we encounter many profound truths about Israel’s future, including promises of both exile and eventual return. The call to “choose life” by loving and obeying God resonates deeply, offering hope and direction for the community’s future and reminding us of the conditional nature of the covenant. When we turn to verse 29, we find: “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” This verse speaks to the mysteries of life, reminding us that while God has revealed many aspects of His plans, some things remain hidden. It’s comforting to know that God, in His wisdom, hasn’t shared everything with us, perhaps because, as human beings, we might struggle to understand the fullness of His infinite nature.
As we engage with this passage, it is only natural to ponder the message of Deuteronomy 30:19-20. (Ibid) Here, we are invited to recognize the significance of the choices we make in life. God presents us with the opportunity to choose life, a choice that opens the door to His blessings. In verse 30:20, we are reminded that this choice is about three key actions: loving God, listening to His voice, and holding fast to Him. The emphasis on love in these verses is profound; it underscores that our love for God is the very foundation of our obedience.
The prayer in Ibid. Deuteronomy 30:20 beautifully encapsulates this sentiment: “That you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may hold fast to Him; for He is your life and the length of your days. Amen.” Truly loving and trusting God involves listening to Him, just as a child who loves and trusts his/her parents, seeks to follow their guidance. It’s a journey of connection, growth, and understanding, and we are reminded that we are not alone in striving to deepen our relationship with the Divine.
Additionally, exploring this book reveals a profound understanding of the covenant through (cf. ETZ HAYIM Deuteronomy 31:3, 6, and 8 p1173-1174), which convey God’s unwavering assurance: “It is the Lord your God who will cross before you.” This powerful phrase is reiterated three times in the chapter, underscoring its significance and reliability. Moreover, the structure of time beautifully reflects this promise, with 368 days (approximately one year) and 31 days (about one month); embodying the enduring nature of God’s blessings for His people throughout the ages, as long as time exists.
Let’s explore the Haftarah from the book of Isaiah, specifically (cf. ETZ HAYIM Isaiah 61:10, 63:9 p1180-1184). This powerful passage reveals God’s promise of salvation and restoration for Zion (Jerusalem) after a time of desolation, culminating in a profound vision of a warrior figure, possibly God Himself, triumphing over enemies in a dramatic battle. Beginning with a joyful proclamation of God’s favor and concluding with a reflection on His immense grace and judgment. This passage is known as the Haftarah for the Shabbat of Neḥamah (Consolation), part of the sacred readings leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
Isaiah 61 emphasizes the blessings that await God’s faithful people. In the opening verses, Isaiah shares his mission to uplift and bless the house of Israel, reflecting more profoundly the role of the Savior, with Isaiah serving as a voice for the people. In Isaiah 61:10, the prophet joyfully declares that God has “clothed” him in a distinctive way, stating, “with garments of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness.” What does the white robe in Isaiah 61:10 really signify? These garments serve as beautiful symbols of God’s provision, favor, healing, and deliverance. At the heart of Isaiah 61:10–62:3 lies a profound transformation in Zion, guided by the prophet’s spirit-led mission. (Ibid) Isaiah 62:12 beautifully reminds us of the incredible promises woven into the covenant and the privilege of being called the people of God. It says, “They shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord. And you shall be called Cared For, A City Not Forsaken.” The number 12 here is intriguing; it can represent both the months of the year and the tribes of Israel, suggesting that God’s promises are meant for everyone, all year round.
The connection between the Haftarah and our calendar is deeply significant. It brings a joyful conclusion to the Seven Haftarot of Consolation, marking a moment of exciting culmination as we transition from a time of comfort into the promise of redemption. The beauty of the covenant, from its inception to the restoration of Zion, is a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises and the responsibility we carry in creation. When we call upon God, we step into a state of grace, standing in His presence. This is the essence of the covenant! It’s a beautiful invitation to align our actions with the grace of the One we seek. by embracing this grace, we allow ourselves to experience the fullness of His blessings; turning away, on the other hand, can create distance from those precious gifts (as reflected in Isaiah 62:10-11 and 40:3, 10). Ultimately, we are all called to reflect holiness and embody the divine. It’s easy to stray from this calling, and that can leave us feeling lost. Our Jewish law, known as ‘halakha’ (חַלָּכָה) which translates to “the way to go” or “to live and behave” offers gentle guidance to help us fulfil God’s will. God longs for us to appreciate the wonderful gift of being made in His image and to cultivate gratitude for everything He provides. This love extends to how we treat one another especially our parents reminding us of the importance of creating a more compassionate and just world together.
As Rosh Hashanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה) approaches, let us take a moment to find freedom from past burdens. Let’s embrace the bright hope that lies ahead for our future. May we open our hearts to the blessings of this season and welcome the promise of abundance and fulfilment that awaits us!
For Reflection and Discussion:
- Whenever I call on God’s name, I feel His grace and try to share it, helping to light the way for others. Am I really taking the time to notice my Lord’s presence in my life throughout the year?
Bibliography: ETZ HAYIM, Torah and Commentary: The Rabbinical Assembly, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, (1999); The Catholic Study Bible 3rd Edition; The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition; The Catholic Prayer Bible;)www.sefaria.org.il;)www.chabad.org) /;
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Dunhill Malunar Timkang, Jerusalem-Israel, Bat Kol Secretary
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