Parashat Nitzavim/Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

In the last double portion of the year, Nitzavim/Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9 - 31:30), we are standing with Moshe just about at the end of his final speech. Moshe is trying to get in the last few warnings and promises and give us the advice he wants us to live by forever and ever.

Moshe says that he is making this covenant not just with people standing there with him but with those who are not there. Of whom was he speaking? Are we modern people obligated as part of this covenant even though we were not there that day? Why or why not? Who would have been our representatives that day? Even though we were not in Philadelphia in 1776, are we bound by the Constitution of the United States? Are these similar cases? Why or why not?
Moshe tells us that we will be sent into exile. Does that mean that we never had a choice about that? Shouldn't we have had an option to do something or say something that would have kept us in the Land of Israel forever? Is it possible that the Jewish people might have needed to be kicked out of Israel at some point? What would be the reason for that?
Are there any good things that come from being outside the land? Has life in the land of Israel always been 100% full of blessings? Why is that? What do we derive from being in the land? What do we derive from being in the land? Can you say for sure that one option is better than the other?
Moshe promises us that God will punish our enemies. Do bad things always happen to bad people? Do good things always happen to good people. Why or why not? Is it possible that the system of Justice that God uses is something we are not supposed to fully understand? What do you think about that idea?
Moshe tells us we should share the Torah even with the children who are too young to understand. Why should we tell them? Why not wait until they are old enough to fully understand before teaching them Torah? Who else might Moshe be speaking about when he talks about the ones who cannot understand? In your opinion is there anyone with whom we should not share words of Torah? Who and why?