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MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5785

KMD MEMBERS YEAR 5784

SHIURIM & PROGRAMS

SPONSOR TORAH LEARNING

RABBI MOSES' WEEKLY MESSAGE

Dear Mogen David Family,

Parashat Nitzavim contains one of the most famous allusions to Teshuva in the entire Torah--"Ki HaMitzvah HaZot Asher Anochi Metzavecha HaYom.....Lo Nifle'et Hi Mimcha v'Lo Rechoka Hi....Ki Karov Elecha HaDavar... From these powerful pesukim we learn many important ideas of Teshuva which flow with this time period of Elul, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Is there any allusion or theme embedded within Parashat VaYelech consistent with the Yamim Noraim?

Perhaps the most famous idea within our Parasha is the concept of Hester Panim. "V'Anochi Asther Astir Panai BaYom Hahu,"--and I will conceal My face (presence) on that day... There are times within history where the Ribbono Shel Olam, so to speak [K'veyachol], 'hides' His power and splendor from the world, concealing His involvement and influence. During these dark moments the world--and Mankind--is left to its own devices and choices, and the consequences are often disastrous. Many Gedolim and Jewish philosophers have tried to understand the Holocaust through the prism of Hester Panim.

How does this inform our focus and intention during these auspicious Days of Awe?

One of the hesitations we face when attempting to 'return' to Hashem and strengthen our commitment to Torah and Mitzvot is the idea that factors beyond our control caused us to act in a manner K'negged Hashem, against G-d. After all, it seems everyone speaks Lashon Hara. It will be socially uncomfortable if I don't. Everyone cuts corners in business, talks during davening, compromises on integrity, etc.. The reality, of course, is that not everyone does these aveirot. They merely serve as excuses to remove responsibility off our shoulders.

The concept of Hester Panim is Hashem telling us: Ein HaDavar Talui Elah Bi--the matter [of Teshuva, rectifying our faults] depends only on our choices. Hashem will not perform miracles to save us from ourselves.

We must, inch by inch, move closer to Hashem, through Tefilla, Torah, Mitzvot and Gemilut Chassadim. Then, and only then, will we feel 'close' to the Ribboni Shel Olam.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi

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Tue, October 8 2024 6 Tishrei 5785