Thoughts on Parashat Nitzavim 5785
“You stand this day, all of you, before your God יהוה —your tribal heads, your elders, and your officials, every householder in Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to waterdrawer —to enter into the covenant of your God יהוה […]
(Deuteronomy 29:9-11)
Rabbi Menachem Mirski
These words, spoken by Moses to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, echo across centuries to us, a small but vibrant Jewish community reborn in the heart of Poland. We live in unprecedented times, a world bursting with possibilities—technological marvels, global connections, and opportunities for renewal. Yet, these days are also turbulent, marked by civilizational and social tensions, from rising populism to global conflicts and the lingering shadows of antisemitism. The history of Polish Jews is a history of resilience and revival, and it infuses the message of parashat Nitzavim with hope, urging us to embrace our role in shaping a brighter future for ourselves, our people, and all humanity as we approach the High Holy Days.
In Poland, our community stands as a testament to survival and renewal. Decades after the devastation of the Holocaust, we have rebuilt Jewish life—synagogues hum with prayer, cultural festivals thrive, and our children learn Hebrew and Torah. Nitzavim’s inclusive covenant, embracing everyone from leaders to the humblest among us, mirrors our own story. We are a community of diverse voices—descendants of pre-war Polish Jews, returnees, and newcomers —Jews by choice—united by faith and heritage. Our parasha reminds us that the Torah is not distant, “not in the heavens… nor beyond the sea,” but “in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it” (Deut. 30:12-14). This accessibility empowers us, especially in Poland, where our presence is a bold act of continuity. On this Shabbat, as we rest and reflect, we draw strength from our shared history and the promise of teshuvah, preparing our hearts for the Days of Awe.
Our world today is a tapestry of contradictions. We marvel at advancements like AI, medical breakthroughs, and global communication, yet face challenges that test our resolve: political polarization, in some places extreme, and social unrest. In Poland, we feel these tensions acutely, as debates over history, identity, and inclusion shape our national discourse. Antisemitism, though diminished, persists, reminding us of our vulnerability but also our strength. Nitzavim teaches that we are not powerless. Moses tells the Israelites to “choose life” (Deut. 30:19), a call that resonates as we navigate these turbulent times. For Polish Jews, choosing life means celebrating our heritage—lighting Shabbat candles, singing zemirot, and teaching our children the stories of our ancestors. It means engaging with our neighbors, fostering dialogue, and building bridges in a country where Jewish life was once nearly extinguished.
The Jewish people have always transformed adversity into opportunity. Our history in Poland—from the vibrant shtetls of the past to the Warsaw Ghetto’s uprising—shows us that hope endures. Today, as we rebuild, we carry forward the legacy of scholars, artists, and leaders who made Polish Jewry a cornerstone of our global nation. Nitzavim’s promise of teshuvah assures us that renewal is always possible, no matter how far we’ve strayed or how great the challenges. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, the shofar’s call beckons—a sound that has echoed through our history, from Sinai to the shtetls, awakening us to our purpose. In Poland, that call is especially poignant, urging us to affirm our identity, to stand proudly as Jews, and to contribute to a world in need of healing.
For our community, 5785 is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Torah, to strengthen our bonds, and to continue reviving Jewish life in Poland. Nitzavim’s universal message inspires us to be a light unto the nations, sharing our values of justice, compassion, and resilience. In a world fractured by division, we can model unity, showing that a community rooted in faith can thrive even in the face of hardship. This Shabbat, as we rest in the embrace of tradition, we recharge for the sacred work ahead. The shofar awaits us, its blasts—tekiah, shevarim, teruah—calling us to awaken, to mend, to hope.
As Polish Jews, we carry a unique responsibility. Our presence here is a miracle, a defiance of history’s darkest chapters, for which we should be aware and grateful. Let us enter 5785 with courage, embracing the possibilities of this new year. May we transform challenges into opportunities, building a Poland where Jewish life flourishes alongside people of different national and religious backgrounds living in peace. May our prayers, our actions, and our hope on this Shabbat and in the Days of Awe inspire a future of renewal for our community, the Jewish people, and the world.
Shana Tova,
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mirski
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