B"H

Please pray for Yosef Ben Sarah for a full and speedy recovery

Nitzavim-Vayeilech

 May Hashem grant peace in the land of Israel and bless you, your entire family, and all of those who are dear to you with a healthy, happy, prosperous successful and sweet new year and may we see the redemption through Moshiach immediately!

 Although Rosh Hashanah is Rosh Chodesh, this Shabbat we do not say the blessing for the upcoming month. This is one of several customs to confuse the forces of evil concerning Rosh Hashana. The customs of saying the entire Tehillim and having a special gathering in honor of Shabbat Mevarchim, both instituted by the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yoseph Yitzchock Schneerson, in order to elicit Hashem's blessings, are observed this Shabbat as well. The Baal Shem Tov taught that Hashem Himself blesses this Shabbat, and with the power of His blessing the Jewish people bless the other eleven monthsof the year.

 This Shabbat we read the portions of Nitzavim and Vayeilech. The portion of Nitzavim is always read before Rosh Hashanah, begins with a message that is central to our approach to the High Holidays. The portion begins "You are all standing today united before Hashem your G-d; from the heads of your tribes... until your water carriers to enter the covenant of Hashem."

 The Alter Rebbe explains in Likutei Torah that this verse refers to Rosh Hashanah. The Torah teaches that our connection with Hashem is a covenant. A covenant is a bond that transcends logic. When two people have a great love for each other, they create a covenant, a bond, so that even if at some time they have difficulties with each other or they don't see each other for a period of time, they remain united. The exact term in the verse is 'L'avrcha Bivrit" which means to pass through a covenant. The ancient way of making a covenant was to slice something in half and for both parties to pass through, symbolizing that they became as one body. Our connection with Hashem is a covenant. Even if we have strayed, we are one.

 The Torah says that we must stand as one. Unity is the key to Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is the day when we crown Hashem as our King. In the Rosh Hashanah prayers we say "There shall be in Yeshurun a King when then people are gathered, the tribes of Israel are united." When there is unity, we can accept Hashem's Kingship. When there is a divided nation, we diminish the coronation.

 Further, unity is there source of all blessings. When Hashem sees His children united, it awakens His love and forgiving. Each day way pray, "Bless us our father all together in your countenance".  When there is unity, there is blessing.

 Further, unity is the key to Moshiach's coming. Strife was that cause of the destruction of the Temple and unity will be the key to the coming of Moshiach.

 The path to unity is illuminated in the verse. The Torah says that you are all standing in front of Hashem. When I look at my neighbor I must remember that just as Hashem made me an integral part of His creation, so did He make my neighbor. Helping my neighbor reach his perfection helps my reach mine. In Hashem's eyes we are all limbs of one body: if limbs are in conflict, they damage themselves.

 The word Vayeilech means and he went. It teaches us that we must always advance. As people, we constantly change. If we don't go higher, we fall lower. Once, a great Rebbe asked his students the following: if two people are on two ladders, one on the second rung and one on the fiftieth, which is higher? Realizing there must be great depth in the question, the students waited for the answer. The Rebbe concluded "It depends which way they are going!" As we prepare for the New Year, we must advance in our service of Hashem. In addition to general improvement, it is important to take a new step, both in keeping a positive Mitzvah more carefully, and in being cautious concerning a prohibition. When our desire to improve is a general one, it often withers. When it is connected to a specific deed, it lasts and bears fruit. In Tanya, the Alter Rebbe explains that on the day of Rosh Hashanah a new divine illumination enters the world, the likes of which have never been revealed until now. The new Mitzvah or new step in a Mitzvah is our preparation to receive the new Divine light.

 This Shabbat is the Hebrew anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attacks. May Hashem grant that the tragedies we have witnessed be revealed as the birth pangs of the coming of Moshiach and we will rejoice in unity and go forward to greet Moshiach!

 Rabbi Biggs

Dedicated by the Dr Jay's family in merit of Joseph Betesh. May Hashem grant him a speedy and full recovery and many healthy and joyous years with his family.

As the holidays approach, now is the time to make sure that all of your holiday needs are taken care of. If anyone needs a place to pray for the holidays or help attaining a Sukkah or Lulav and Etrog, please contact my office.

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