Nitzavim-Vayelech
Deut. 29:9–31:30
By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger
In this week’s double Torah portion, Nitzavim–Vayelech, we read about Moses’ final moments as a leader as he delivers his last words of advice to the Israelites, taking care to prepare them for a future without him. Beneath the surface of these words, there is a mystical undercurrent – an invitation to engage in profound spiritual renewal that transcends the individual, touching both the cosmic and the eternal.
The parsha begins: Atem nitzavim hayom kulchem lifnei Hashem Elokeichem, “You are standing today, all of you, before the Lord your God” (Deut. 29:9).
On one level, this is a statement of communal responsibility, a reminder that we all share in the covenant with God. But from a mystical perspective, the word nitzavim, or “standing,” is deeply meaningful. In Kabbalistic thought, this idea of standing before God reflects an introspective moment; a space outside of time where the soul reconnects with its Source. The Zohar, one of the foundational texts of Jewish mysticism, teaches that the “day” referred to in this verse is not just any day; instead, it represents a metaphysical “today,” a moment of divine closeness that transcends time. It is in this space of standing together, as one unified soul, that we begin our process of spiritual renewal.
This imagery reminds us that renewal is not only a personal process, but also a collective experience. When we stand in the presence of the Divine, we are connected not just to each other, but to the divine energy that binds all creation. This interconnectedness is a core principle in Kabbalah – everything, from the highest spiritual realms to the material world, is interconnected through the divine Sefirot, the channels through which God’s energy flows into the world.
Later, Moses presents the Israelites with a choice: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life” (Deut. 30:19). On the surface, this is an ethical imperative – to choose a life of mitzvot and righteous living guided by a Divine intention. But the mystical tradition reveals even deeper layers.
In Kabbalistic terms, “choosing life” is not merely about physical existence. Life – Chayim – is the energy that flows from the divine source into creation. Every choice we make has the potential to align us with the divine energy, or to block that flow. Choosing life means choosing alignment with the divine, allowing the Shefa, the spiritual abundance from above, to flow through us and into the world.
The process of teshuvah – repentance and return – can be understood as restoring this flow. According to Chassidic teachings, when we stray from the path, we create spiritual blockages. Teshuvah clears those blockages, restoring our soul’s connection to the divine light. This process is available to us at any moment, and the upcoming High Holidays offer a particularly potent time to open ourselves to the blessing of renewal.
In Nitzavim, Moses emphasizes the accessibility of teshuvah: “For this commandment that I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven… nor is it beyond the sea” (Deut. 30:11-13). The Baal Shem Tov, 18th century rabbi and founder of Chassidism, interpreted this to mean that every person, regardless of their spiritual sophistication, has the ability to reach God.
Teshuvah is not only about returning to a previous state; it is about return to the infinite. In Kabbalistic tradition, teshuvah is a movement back to the infinite source of all being. The Hebrew word, teshuvah, comes from the root shuv, meaning “to return.” Yet, in Kabbalah, this return is not just to the self we once were, but to a level beyond – back to the divine essence from which we all emanate.
This idea connects us to the mystical concept of Ein Sof, the Infinite. According to the Kabbalists, all of creation is an expression of the Divine Creator, and our spiritual task is to return to a state of oneness with that infinite light. Every Rosh Hashanah, every moment of teshuvah, is an opportunity to realign ourselves with that infinite source, opening a space within for spiritual renewal that is not bound by time or past mistakes.
As we enter the new year, this transition reminds us that we, too, are constantly in motion, transforming and evolving. The mystics teach that time itself is cyclical, with each year presenting a new opportunity to ascend to higher levels of spiritual awareness. Just as the Israelites stood on the brink of entering the Promised Land, we stand at the threshold of a new year, filled with potential for spiritual renewal.
Nitzavim-Vayelech calls us to stand together in unity, to choose life by aligning ourselves with the divine flow, and to engage in the mystical process of teshuvah, returning to our infinite source. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded again that renewal is both a personal and cosmic task. Every year we reaffirm our role in the divine process that includes all of creation, fanning the flames of our divine spark to light the way for our whole community.
This Shabbat, may we be filled with gratitude and bravery gaining momentum as we choose life. May we embrace our connections to each other and to the Infinite, growing and transforming personally, communally and cosmically. Shabbat Shalom.