Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

(You Are Standing-And He Went)

Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30

Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9

In the Torah portion Nitzavim, Moses describes the Covenant between God and the Israelites, urging the Israelites to uphold the Covenant and honor the Torah so that they may be rewarded with life in the Land of Israel. In Vayeilech, Moses concludes his speech to the Israelites, blesses Joshua, and instructs the community to gather every seven years to read publicly from the Torah. God predicts the eventual straying of the Israelites.

FULL SUMMARY FOR NITZAVIM
FULL SUMMARY FOR VAYEILECH
HAFTARAH SUMMARY FOR NITZAVIM
HAFTARAH SUMMARY FOR VAYEILECH

Living Like it’s ‘Hayom’ Every Day

Moses' final address to the Jewish people takes on added significance because of its proximity to his death.

More on this Torah Portion

Haftarah for Shabbat Shuvah

The Haftarah selection comes from Hosea 14:2-10 and Micah 7:18-20. Ashkenazic communities add Joel 2:15-27.

Moses’ Fate

The leader of the Israelites is not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Writing Women Into the Torah

It is time to do no less than to dress the Torah in the language of women.

Models Of Leadership

Moses and God each instruct Joshua according to the different models of leadership each embodies.

Education for Change

The powerful lessons of hakhel and shmita.

The Song of Humanity

Song can remind us of our authentic selves and our genuine power.

A Land Flowing With Milk and Honey

The health of the land depends on our responsible behavior.

The Commandment to Choose Life

Every choice we make from birth to death matters.

How To Choose Life

So that your children may live.

Standing at Attention

We all need to pick our issues and take a stand.

Creating an Experience of the All of You

We need more experiences of community in which we feel connected to members of society whom we don't even know.

No Deposit, No Return

The commandment to return to God is always within our reach.

Quality Leaders

Moses and Joshua possessed leadership characteristics that we continue to look for in our leaders today.

If Only It Weren’t So Violent

The commandments to destroy the seven Canaanite nations are perhaps best understood as a later generation's struggle with idolatry.

Strength In Numbers

The commandment to gather every seven years for a communal Torah reading reinforces the spirit of unity and commitment among the people.

All-Inclusive Covenant

Moses tells the Children of Israel that the covenant includes all of them, including the pious and faithful as well as the rebellious and confused.

Affirming And Spreading Our Core Values

The final commandments in the Torah, to gather as a community to hear the Torah and to write down a spiritual legacy, encourage us to re-engage with our core values.

Knowing One’s Place, Knowing One’s Time

Why is Moses reluctant to hand over leadership to Joshua?

Bringing The Torah Home

The Torah and its lessons are always within our reach.

One Small Step

Fulfilling the directive to repair the world begins in our own mouths and hearts.

Self-Deception

Before the Children of Israel enter the land, Moses cautions them against self-deception, an appropriate warning for the High Holidays as well.

On This Day God Calls To You

Parashat Nitzavim teaches us the importance of viewing ourselves as partners in a dialogue with God.

Moses’ Approach Towards Death

Several commentaries interpret Moses's going to the people before his death.

Punishments, Land, And People

Even during their long exile from the land of Israel, the Jewish people will retain their covenant with God, despite the punishments God exacts against the land.

Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech: Ethical Wills

Although we might think of the Torah as being about the past, detailing the origins of the cosmos, the planet ...

Torah That is “Near to You”

The text is eternal because of its adaptability — not its unchanging nature.

It is Not Beyond Reach

Nitzavim: A resource for families.

Parashat Vayeilech Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Haftarah for Nitzavim: Summary

Isaiah offers a hopeful anticipation of redemption.

Parashat Nitzavim Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.