Perashat Nisavim Questions & Answers

פרשת נצבים

אתם נצבים היום כלכם לפני ה׳ 

"You are all standing today before Hashem"

In this week's perasha, Moshe tells Bnei Yisrael that despite all the curses that can befall a person h"v if he transgresses the words of Hashem, they are still standing. What, however, is the significance of the word "today"? Isn't it suffice to say, "You are standing before Hashem?" Doesn't the Torah speak to all people in all generations? Why single out "today"?

In Parashat Ki Tavo, Moshe teaches that if Bnei Yisrael will sin h"v they will be exiled among the nations. This indeed happened, as we were exiled into the far corners of the earth. There are Jews in virtually every country. Throughout history, the gentiles have berated Bnei Yisrael that Hashem has forsaken us, his beloved people.  

This in fact, is not true as evidenced by the Passuk in Behukotai, וְאַף־גַּם־זֹ֠את בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֞ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֹֽיְבֵיהֶ֗ם לֹֽא־מְאַסְתִּ֤ים וְלֹֽא־גְעַלְתִּים֙ לְכַלֹּתָ֔ם לְהָפֵ֥ר בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ם, "Even when they are in the land of their enemies I have not become repulsed by them not have I abandoned them". In fact, the Zohar teaches that in each exile, the Shechina was exiled as well. 

It is possible that this is the allusion in our Parasha. Moshe is telling us, wherever you find yourselves... Whether in the shores of America or the desert of the Arabias. Hashem has not abandoned us, rather today (whenever that day may be) you are still standing before Hashem! 

We may also be able to explain our Passuk based on Mesilat Yesharim! The Rabbi writes that if one follows the steps delineated in his Sefer he will be able to attain Ruah Hakodesh, a Divine Spirit.   However, writes the Ramhal, each person has a different process to reach this goal, depending on who he is.  A Rabbi will not use the same methods to attain Ruah Hakodesh that a woodcarver would use. Nonetheless, every Jew has the ability to feel Hashem's spirit. 

It is possible that this is the meaning of our Passuk. "You are ALL standing today before Hashem. Your heads, men, children, women, wood carvers and water drawers". Each has the ability to feel he is standing right I from of the Creator. How, however, changes for each person! 

It is also possible to explain Moshe Rabbenu's words based on the words of Rav Nachman from Breslov. Regarding peace the Rabbi writes, עַל־יְדֵי רְדִיפַת שָׁלוֹם מַצִּיל לְבָנָיו מִמִּיתָה וּמִגָּלוּת, "For pursuing peace one saves his children from death and exile". In last week's Torah portion, the punishments of death and exile were threatened for those who chose a path of iniquity. However, says Moshe, as long as אתם נצבים היום כלכם, "You are ALL standing today before Hashem, your heads... Children wives!", referring to the unity and peace among them. If Bnei Yisrael are united and peaceful, they will stand and be safe from the curses in Parashat Ki Tavo!

This "segulah" for protection, however, operates on a daily manner. If we are united today but divided tomorrow, the protection dissipates. This is the meaning of the word "today". Each day we must remain unified to enjoy the protection peace affords us!

Rabbi Eliezer Zeytouneh is the Rav of Congregation Bnei Shelomo located at 1305 Gravesend Neck Rd. He is also the Principal of Yeshivat Or Hatorah and the Dean of Peninim Sephardic Seminary. His Shiurim are attended by young adults of all backgrounds and can be heard on LearnTorah.com and Kol Halashon.