1. The Unique Schedule and Focus of This Week’s Shiur
This week’s Torah and Tea focuses on Parshas Nitzavim. As mentioned, this is our final class until after the holidays, after Simchas Torah—the schedule is such that most of the holidays fall on or just after Tuesday, so we’ll resume afterwards. Typically, we study two sichos—talks from the Rebbe—but this time only one was included in the curriculum. This may be because they are aligning the learning with the annual Torah reading cycle, ensuring we finish together with the year.
2. The Promise of Return and Redemption
In the middle of Parshas Nitzavim, the Torah describes what will happen after the Jewish people experience exile and suffering as outlined in the previous parsha’s rebukes (Toichecha). The verses promise that eventually Bnei Yisrael will return to Hashem: “You will listen to Hashem as I instruct you today, you and your children, with all your heart and soul.” In response, Hashem will gather us from all corners of exile and bring us back to Eretz Yisroel. Even if a Jew is at “the edge of the sky,” Hashem will gather each one personally. Rashi explains that Mashiach himself will take every Jew by the hand and lead them to Yerushalayim and to the Beis HaMikdash. Not only will we return to our land, but Hashem promises to do even more good for us than He did for our ancestors.
3. The Concept of Circumcising the Heart
The parsha concludes with a striking verse: “And Hashem will circumcise your heart.” What does it mean for God to circumcise a heart? To understand this, we compare it with a similar verse from an earlier parsha: “U’maltam eis orlas levavchem—You shall circumcise the stuffness (covering) of your heart.” Metaphorically, just as physical circumcision removes a covering, so too there can be a spiritual covering over one’s heart—a lack of openness or excitement about Hashem and mitzvos. Removing this “stuffness” allows us to become sensitive and receptive.
The difference between these two verses is significant: In one, it is Bnei Yisrael who are commanded to remove their own spiritual barriers (“you shall circumcise”), while in Nitzavim it is Hashem who promises to do it for us (“Hashem will circumcise your heart”). Additionally, one verse refers specifically to removing the “stuffness”; the other simply says “circumcise your heart,” implying something deeper.
4. Internal Versus External Barriers to Spiritual Sensitivity
The Rebbe offers an insightful interpretation: Why do people sometimes go astray? There are two primary causes. One is internal—a person’s own heart becomes insensitive due to lack of use or care. Just as unused muscles atrophy, so too does a heart that isn’t exercised in compassion or spiritual feeling become hardened. There’s even a humorous anecdote about someone wanting a transplant from a tough boss because his heart was “never used.”
The second cause is external influence. The Torah warns: “Lo sasuru acharei levavchem v’acharei eineichem—Do not stray after your hearts and after your eyes.” Rashi explains that what we see can awaken desires in our hearts that wouldn’t otherwise exist. Sometimes our insensitivity comes not from within but from being influenced by what we see around us—jealousy, envy, or simply being drawn away by external attractions.
5. The Twofold Process of Teshuvah and Divine Assistance
The verses in Nitzavim describe Bnei Yisrael doing teshuvah, returning to Hashem with sincerity. After this return, Hashem promises not only redemption but also an additional gift: He Himself will “circumcise your heart,” enabling you not just to serve Him but to truly love Him without impediment.
This reflects a two-stage process: First, we must work on ourselves—musing on Hashem’s kindnesses, reflecting on our blessings, cultivating gratitude and awe. We strive to remove our own barriers through effort and meditation. But then comes Divine assistance: when Hashem sees our sincere efforts, He removes even those obstacles that are beyond our control—especially those external influences that make spiritual life difficult.
This includes societal pressures or criticism from others who don’t understand Torah observance or who dismiss it as outdated. While these challenges can make us feel isolated or foolish for holding onto tradition, Hashem promises that He will sever those negative connections from outside influences so that nothing stands between us and loving Him fully.
6. Elul: A Time for Love and Closeness with Hashem
This idea connects beautifully with the month of Elul. The very letters Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed spell Elul, which alludes both to teshuvah (return) and also to deepening love for Hashem. During Elul, we say slichos, ask forgiveness, and prepare ourselves spiritually before Rosh Hashanah.
The Rebbe teaches that Elul is not only about repentance out of fear but also about coming close out of love. In Chassidus it is described as “HaMelech basadeh—the King is in the field.” During Elul, Hashem shows us His smiling face and embraces every Jew wherever they are spiritually. It’s not just about fearing judgment but about experiencing closeness and affection from Hashem Himself.
The promise that “Hashem will circumcise your heart” means He enables us not merely to improve ourselves but also empowers us to reach new heights in loving Him completely—a fitting theme as we approach Rosh Hashanah.
7. Blessings for the New Year
As we conclude before the holidays begin again next year, may everyone be blessed with a K’siva v’chasima tovah—a good inscription and sealing for a sweet new year filled with prosperity, success, peace in Eretz Yisroel and throughout the world.
The Gemara teaches that where there is peace everything else follows. May there be no fear from anti-Semitism or any threats against Jews anywhere. Most importantly, may Mashiach come speedily in our days ushering in true peace when all recognize Hashem as King over all creation.
I look forward to resuming together next year for more Torah learning! A K’siva v’chasima tovah, a shana tovah u’metukah—a good sweet year! Stay well everyone!