by Rabbi Ephriam I. Zimand
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
At the conclusion of this Shabbat, we (Ashkenazim) begin our intense entry into the season of the Yamim Nora’im with the recitation of Selichot.
It is interesting to take note of the contrast between the names of the parshiot that constitute this week’s double parasha: Nitzavim and Vayelekh. Nitzavim suggests standing still, the lack of any movement, status quo. In contrast, Vayelekh betokens mobility, striding forward, making progress.
Though contrasting, they are not incompatible. In fact, not infrequently, they are both necessary. We need to stop often in order evaluate where we are and from where we have come in order to be able to move forward effectively.
Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame former N. Y. Yankee All-Star catcher, is not only known as having been an outstanding baseball player, but he is also known for pithy sayings, which on the surface, seem not to make much sense, and perhaps seem somewhat nonsensical. But, after having thought about them for a while, I have frequently discovered that there is indeed a great deal of profundity embedded in them. One such example is the saying attributed to him, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” It occurs to me that the message he seeks to convey is not to become paralyzed into inaction when a difficult choice has to be made. You must at least make a choice, even when you cannot be certain it is the right or best choice. However before deciding which path to follow, you have to stop and evaluate, as best you can, in which direction to go. It is a “NitzavimVayelekh moment.”
The upcoming Yamim Noraim and the new year we are entering also present us with a Nitzavim-Vayelekh situation. Rosh Hashanah and Yom haKippurim provide us with the opportunity to temporarily stop the merry-go-round of our lives to evaluate: Where are we? What are we doing? And where do we want to go? That is the Nitzavim. When these days have passed, we enter the Vayelech phase, moving in the direction we have chosen in order to reach our destination.
May we all experience a successful Nitzavim-Vayelekh in the coming year of 5771.
Shabbat Shalom!
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