On two occasions Nitzvaim-Vayelech emphasizes the value of gathering together all of Knesset Yisrael: Men, women, children and strangers. This presents a modern-day model for inclusivity and inspiration within our communities.

Nitzavim opens with Moshe assembling the people before God. The Talmud Shevuot see this moment as a renewal of the brit Sinai, a re-commitment to Torah by the children of those who experienced Matan Torah. This brit included both those present and “those who are not with us here this day.” Ramban and others commentaries understand this brit as including all future generations of Jews as well. 

The parsha closes with a model which can recur throughout time: the mitzvah of Hakhel, to gather the whole Jewish people at the end of the shemita year to hear portions of Torah read out publicly. This took place in Israel while the Temple stood and men, women, children and strangers were commanded and expected to participate. Rashi comments that men came to learn, women (who were then uneducated) to hear and young children to give “s’char” (reward) to their parents who brought them. No matter one’s level of education, the Torah reading would touch the hearts of each person in some way. Rambam explains that whether a person was exceptionally learned or couldn’t understand the words, everyone stood and listened together recalling the giving of Torah at Sinai. 

Other gatherings and communal re-committing to Torah occur several more times throughout Tanach, most notably by Ezra the Scribe. Then the people gathered “as one” and requested the Torah be read to the whole kahal (assembly). This gathering too recalls Matan Torah. It also contains many elements of modern-day Torah readings in shul including: lifting of the open Torah scroll and the reciting of a blessing.  

May we find more ways to create gatherings which are inclusive of others and where we can internalize and be inspired by the words of Torah. Shabbat Shalom – Karen Miller Jackson