Scrollers Preview: Parshiot Nitzavim/Vayelech 5773

This week's double portion begins with a communal affirmation of God's covenant with Israel, a type of chatima (seal) on the proceeding laws and commandments binding Israel and God. It goes out of its way to affirm the covenant's bond no matter the status of the individual (including wives, children, strangers, wood choppers and water drawers), no matter their current inclination (including secret idolaters), and no matter their generation (those standing here and those not).

Unlike a ketubah, this covenant creates no structure for dissolving the bond. Rather, what follows the chatima is a series of structures for repairing and maintaining the relationship.

T'shuva: Commentators note that after the description of destruction and exile at the end of chapter 29, though the people begin the repentance starting in chapter 30, God appears to take an extra step toward the people in repairing the relationship. God will "circumcise (open) your heart" whereas the earlier injunction in chapter Deut. 10:16 is for the people to open their own hearts.

Leadership: Vayelech begins with Moses publicly stepping down and giving over leadership to Joshua, ensuring that a new generation of leaders will maintain the covenant. The Etz Hayim commentary notes several times Moses' care in affirming God's true leadership even as Joshua take on the mantle.

Torah: The text lays out a ritual structure for hearing Torah read aloud in the Sabbatical year in front of the entire community as well as a structure for placing Torah at the heart of the mysterious rituals around the Ark by placing a copy of the scroll inside it. Finally, bits of Torah will live in every Israelite through their memorizing the following parasha, Ha-azinu, Moses' long poem.