Deut. 29:9 -30:20
Précis: Moses continues to address the People: You stand (nitzavim) this day before Adonai. In his final words to the People, Moses recounts the wonders Adonai had done for them, and calls upon them to remain loyal to God by observing the Covenant. The extent of the relationship is explained: it will survive exile and captivity with a return to the Land. The Torah is an “open book” that is accessible to all. A blessing and a curse have been set before the People, and Moses urges them to choose the blessing, to choose life.
Deut. 30:11-14 “Now this teaching is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea so that you have to ask ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.”
We read this parasha just a few days before Rosh Hashanah this year, and these verses underscore the partnership we have with God at this season.
“This teaching” refers to the Torah as given – the work of God. It tells us what to do, but not necessarily how to do it. The “how to” is within the province of human beings. The Torah was revealed to Israel at a time and place now long lost to history. Whether or not the story of Mt. Sinai is history or myth, there is little doubt that the Written Word evolved over time as men (mostly men) attempted to apply its lessons to the world they lived in. It is a continuing effort.
The Talmud displays time and again that “how to” obey God’s commands was debated, and often left unresolved. One principle was clear nevertheless: all who contributed to the debate merited praise. Sometimes, a consensus emerged. At other times, different opinions predominated. That is certainly the case today.
The great Sage Rabbi Yehoshua believed that man’s interpretation was the key factor, basing his opinion on the text here: “The Torah is not in heaven.” According to the Talmud (BT Bava M’tzia 59b), when God heard Rabbi Yehoshua’s statement, “God smiled and stated, ‘My children have triumphed over Me.’”
As this parasha reminds at the outset, we stand together, and we are not alone. We look into ourselves, we look towards others, and we look for God. We look at the past, present and future with hope. When we stand together and when we contribute to debate in the name of God, God smiles at us. As we approach Rosh Hashanah, particularly this year, we need that smile.
