Parshas Nitzavim 5785 & Rosh Hashana 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
ולא אתכם לבדכם ... כי את אשר ישנו פה עמנו עמד היום לפני ה' אלקינו ואת אשר איננו פה עמנו היום ... (כט-,יג,יד)
Klal Yisroel was required to accept a bris between them and Hakadosh Baruch Hu, binding them to fulfill his will. Moshe Rabbeinu told them that this treaty wasn’t solely for them, but for all future generations as well. The meforshim ask, how can those present accept something binding on those not yet born? The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh zt”l explains the subsequent posukim and answers that regarding a zechus, something positive and good, we have the principle of זכין לאדם שלא בפניו. Thus, doing the רצון ה' is a good thing and their acceptance worked for future doros as well.
Perhaps we can add a machshava based on the following story. It was a cold, snowy day in Yeshivah Torah Vodaas and the Rosh Yeshivah, R’ Shloime Heiman zt”l, was scheduled to say a shiur in the beis medrash. Due to the inclement weather, however, only two bochurim actually showed up. R’ Shloime, undeterred, delivered the shiur in his usual manner, with all the vigor and energy he had, as if the room was filled to capacity. His voice echoed all throughout the cavernous hall.
After the shiur, the two boys came over and asked him, “Rebbe, you could have either skipped the shiur, or given a less dramatic delivery. It was only us.” R’ Shloime’s reply teaches us a most powerful lesson. He said, “It wasn’t just you. I saw all FIFTY boys here.” They were confused. He went on to explain, “I don’t just see you. I saw all your all future descendants in attendance! I gave a shiur knowing its impact will be not only on you, but on them as well.”
Moshe told the Yidden, “True, you are the only ones actually present here today, but inside of you are your future doros. Recognize that your decisions today affect the future.” We must always recognize and understand that we are here only due to the strength of our forebears. The key to the success of the future lies within us, the present. Let us daven to Hashem for the סייעתא דשמיא to make the correct decisions this year that will impact our progeny positively. Have a Ksiva V’chasima Tova!