By Rabbi Daniel Dayan
This weeks parasha begins with the words ״אתם ניצבים היום כלכם״.
Rashi on this pasuk asks why the parasha of Nitzavim comes right after the parasha of the curses. And he answers that when Bnei Yisrael heard the curses, their faces turned pale, as they were worried of such harsh consequences.
So Moshe Rabenu comes and reassures them. He says – “You are all standing here today, despite the many times you have angered Hashem. You don’t need to be worried.”
R’ Yaakov Neiman in his sefer “Darchei Mussar” explains, that perhaps this is why the pasuk says the word ״כלכם״. Moshe Rabenu is telling Bnei Yisrael what allowed for them to still be standing before Hashem, safe from these harsh punishments.
And that is because of כלכם – their achdut and unity, their being together as one group. As long as they are one close unit, they are safe and protected from any harm.
As we enter the final week of the year, and approach Rosh Hashana, we are all trying to do things that can help us have more merits. As a single individual, we all make efforts and push ourselves to increase in our level of Torah and mitzvot.
However, let us not forget, that another zechut we can use is the power of tzibur – increasing in our friendships, being kind to each other, and coming together as one nation. Wishing everyone a Shana tova.
Shabbat Shalom!!