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Nitzavim and RH Nidhe Israel 2019 FINAL

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Nitzavim and RH Nidhe Israel 2019 FINAL D’var Torah Nidhe Israel Nitzavim: Deuteronomy 29:9 “ Ye are standing this day all of you before the LORD your God: your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of Israel.” This week’s Torah portion is a clear example of trying to establish what is the relationship between God and the children of Israel. Usually at this time of the year, we read the double portion of Nitzavim-Vayelech which precedes Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and this happened because of a clear Rabbinic mandate: "Ezra decreed for Israel that the chastisements of the Priestly Book of Leviticus (Bechukotai) be publicly read before Shavuot, and that the chastisements of the Book of Deuteronomy be publicly read before Rosh Hashanah." (Babylonian Talmud, Megilla 31b). This is yet another covenant established between God and the Israelites. The first was the covenant with Abraham, which lay the foundations of the idea of the nation-state of Israel, whilst the events at Sinai set up the religious framework for the Children of Israel. Let me step back a little. The term “Judaism” comes from the descendants of Abraham. The Torah refers to Abraham as a Hebrew, and that name is most commonly associated with the language of his descendants. His grandson, Jacob, was given a second name of Israel (Gen 35:11), when he matured and realised the mission of the Jewish People. That name has become closely associated with Israelite’s homeland., whereby one of Jacob’s 12 sons, namely Judah had the role of leadership. At one point, he was the dominant tribe among those living in Israel and the entire nation became known as Jews, and their creed, Judaism. Whenever I am asked the question “what is Judaism and what are Jews per se?” there really is not a straight forward answer, because we are a People, Religion as well as a culture having created our own as well as embraced the lifestyles and cultures of those of other nations. Our Torah portion Nitzavim presents the choice, and insists on the individual's power of freedom of choice at the same time as it presents a challenge for us all on how to approach Judaism, with how much conviction, and in what direction we should take it. Interestingly as I watch and witness the United Kingdom’s recent discussions on the suspension of Parliament, and the Supreme Court Judges’ decision, I realise even more than ever how important it is to keep all sides, people and leadership, understanding the power of democracy and choice. Whatever your views on these events, the truth is that we are part of the greatest democracy and freedom and that the citizens will realise that and start rebuilding and working together. Going back to the portion, I find it strange that it has been ordered that all the words of rebuke be recited before the festival of Shavuot and Rosh Hashanah. It’s easier to understand the reasons why the rebuke should be recited before Shavuot as it is the time of receiving the Torah and the nation would have needed to be absolutely clear about what it accepted when they responded: “We shall do and we shall Hear”. I say this because of the strength of the meaning behind the Ten Commandments and other laws handed down to Moses. More difficult to explain is the rebuking the Children of Israel just before they had the opportunity of being - as it were - cleansed by the prayers of the High Holy Days, which, we are told, reach the Heavenly Court and at the time of the anniversary of the Creation of humanity, the day on which we crown the Almighty as King of the Universe. The reason, perhaps, is that the words of rebuke are a timely reminder to prepare ourselves, vigilant as individuals and as a People, to repent and indeed deal with all the responsibilities that nationhood and running of a country require. Israel, which has recently held its second elections within a six months period, has a duty to its people to ensure mercy and justice as its primary vision but at the same time the safety of its inhabitants is equally important. Perhaps rebuke helps to be a reminder urging to find a solution to pursue justice for all. On this Rosh Hashanah 5780 I very much identify with the words of Nelson Mandela who said: “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” Renee and I are happy, and feel honoured and privileged, to be part of the Barbados Jewish Community, thanking you all for your love, support and dedication. We wish you and your family a Happy New Year, l’Shana Tova u Metuka, and May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life. Shabbat Shalom B’Shalom Rabbi Thomas.
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