2020/5780

Parashat Nitzavim starts with Moshe Rabbeinu highlighting that all of Bnei Yisrael are standing before him at that moment. By doing so, they are all being accepted into the treaty they are making. However, Moshe Rabbeinu then adds that this treaty also includes those who were not there standing before him. Much has been made about how everyone was standing at Har Sinai, even those not born yet, but that ignores a bigger question: if standing before Moshe Rabbeinu on this day is not necessary to enter the treaty, why does Moshe place such an emphasis on doing it?

To figure this out, we should look at where else we stand in Judaism, specifically in davening. In contrast to Keriat Shema which is recited while sitting, Shemoneh Esrei is recited erect. This is because Keriat Shema is all about Ahavat Hashem, loving God. We love Hashem, so there is no need to stand. By Shmoneh Esrei, we are making direct petitions to Hashem. To sit would show a lack of seriousness. So, could standing in Netzavim be to show the seriousness of the moment?

Upon looking at the continuation of the Parashah, this does seem to be the case. Moshe Rabbeinu continues by saying that anyone who is so despicable as to break this treaty will turn their land into Sedom and Amorah. Moshe Rabbeinu emphasizes the gravity of this treaty and wants the nation to realize this by reminding Bnei Yisrael that they are all standing; they are all focused, attentive, and serious. When they enter into this contract with God, there can be no frivolity. They must do it standing.

This is not only true to the Jews of that generation. As Moshe points out, this treaty applies to everyone, whether or not we were actually there. Each generation needs to reaffirm this treaty, because if they do not, it will violate the treaty, and the consequences are too dire. Each generation reaffirms this treaty is when a Jew comes of age, where we accept all of the Mitzvot that are written in the Sefer Torah that Moshe was holding while speaking to the nation. When we do this, we should not enter the treaty lightheaded, while sitting or lying down. We should not be dancing wildly to ear-splitting music. We must be standing, focused, attentive, and serious. The consequences of lapsing are too dire.