Nitzavim/Va’Yailech – (You are) Standing/And When You Go
CARLSBAD, California — This week we read the double portions of Nitzavim and Va’Yailech, which translate as (You are) “Standing” and, “And When You Go.” This portion is always read immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah, the New Year. When we read the beginning of the portion it is readily understood, as it talks about the totality of the Jewish people, listed by category and what may be considered a hierarchy, standing together.
There is a story in the Talmud where a great sage’s son was deathly ill. A huge prayer vigil was established and, thank G-d, the situation improved. Upon regaining his health the Rabbi asked his son what he had seen, “on the other side”? The reply was astonishing. “Everything was upside down!”
What does that mean, our sages ask? It means that those who are viewed as the top of the heap are not necessarily so in the World of Truth. A person may engage in manual, even menial labor in this world. He may be very poor. But because one is poor in material wealth does not mean that he is poor in spiritual wealth. In fact, this world is upside down. In this crass material world our values are confused. We hold as precious things that are not precious and we, G-d forbid, undervalue or neglect to value altogether those things that truly are precious.
It is something that as a rabbi, I see with great regularity. I see people push their children to achieve scholastic greatness in their secular studies while completely (or almost completely) ignoring their Jewish studies. It is true! A good secular education could well lead to a very productive and enriching life. Doctors, lawyers, accountants, and CEOs all make a good living. But what is the point of making a good living if one doesn’t know the point of life?! What if one is a very successful professional but is not a decent human being? What if one makes tons of money but doesn’t give a dime to Tzedakah?
We live in a society that honors those who can run fast, jump high, sing beautifully, and are good at acting out parts. Are these Jewish ideals? No, they are not. In Judaism we honor those who devote themselves to the service of G-d and the service of our fellow human beings, irrespective of which tax bracket they may be in.
It is wholly appropriate and important for us to remember that the world is upside down. Now is the time to set our values, morals, and ethics on the path of the Almighty! This is the time when the alarm clock is ringing (no more hitting the snooze button), as we will be standing before the King of Kings next week, beseeching the Almighty for good health, nachas from our children, a good marriage, a healthy income, a vibrant community, and peace for ourselves and all humankind. We need to show up in the right frame of mind – certainly with our moral compass pointing in the correct direction. May G-d bless our efforts with the ultimate blessing; the immediate arrival of our righteous Moshiach!
So let us stand together (Nitzavim), and once we do and recognize the essential nature of each of us, go (Va’Yailech)! Now we are ready to move forward into a blessed New Year.
Wishing everyone an uplifting, joyous, and HEALTHY Shabbos!
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is Director of Coastal Chabads and Chabad at La Costa. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers’ comments and questions and may be reached at RabbiE@ChabadatLaCosta.com.