Parshas Nitzavim

After hearing the 98 curses in last week’s parsha, in addition to the 49 in parshas Bechukosai, the faces of the Jewish people became pale and they said, “Who can stand up to these?” Moshe began to appease them, “You are standing today. Even though you angered Hashem greatly, nevertheless, He has has not totally destroyed you and you are still around” (Rashi on 29:12).

The verse says, “You are standing today, all of you” (29:9). Perhaps because they were all together, as one community, they were still standing, they were still around. Despite angering Hashem, the Jewish people as a nation are assured that they will survive. We find this idea by Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana is the Day of Judgement, our lives are hanging, yet we dress up for the occasion and eat and drink – we are certain that Hashem will peform a miracle for us and save us (Tur). This guarantee is for the community. However, each individual should indeed be worried and cannot rely on a miracle that he will pass the judgement. Only the Jewish people as a whole can rely on a miracle that Hashem will save them. If a person would like to be make it through the judgment of Rosh Hashana, it is advisable that he attaches himself to the community, and makes other dependent on him, for example through giving charity or performing good deeds to the public. Through this he becomes like the community and will be saved. (Saba M’Kelm)