Rabbi's Message

In this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, we are presented with one of the most powerful and inspiring statements in the Torah: "Atem nitzavim hayom kulhem" — "You are standing today, all of you, before Adonai your God" (Deuteronomy 29:9). This verse is a declaration of unity and collective responsibility. Moses is speaking to the entire nation of Israel, reminding them that, despite their individual differences, they are all standing together before God, each person equally bound to the covenant and responsible for the future of the Jewish people.

With Rosh Hashanah just a few days away, this verse takes on added significance. Rosh Hashanah is a time when we gather to stand before God, not just as individuals, but as one large TBS community. The shofar will sound, and with it, we will all stand together, acknowledging our shared purpose, our shared history, and our shared future.

Just as Moses addresses the entire Jewish people in Nitzavim, the mahzor reminds us that we do not pray alone. We pray as a community. For me, the power of the High Holy Days is in the collective. Moreover, we are reminded in this week’s parsha that standing together before God is not a passive experience, but an active one. The verse says, “atem nitzavim”—you are standing—a verb that denotes purpose and agency. Our presence together on Rosh Hashanah will not just be a formality; rather, it will be an opportunity to feel the power of the community and to dedicate ourselves to action and living our Jewish values in the new year of 5786. 

Next Tuesday, as we bring in the new year together, the building will be buzzing; in the sanctuary, in the large tent that is once again set up in the parking lot, in the Rose Chapel/Jenofsky Beit Midrash, in the classrooms and the hallways.  As we prepare to join together, may we commit ourselves to carrying this sense of unity beyond the High Holy Days, building stronger connections within our families and our community.

May this Rosh Hashanah be a time of renewal for all of us, and may we stand together, as one, with hearts full of hope for the year ahead.

See you in shul.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova U’Metuka.