This week we read Parsha Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 & Deuteronomy 31). For those who don't know, it is Jewish tradition to read a portion of the Torah (Old Testament) during morning Sabbath services each Saturday. We start with Breishit, the "In the Beginning" part, soon after the Jewish New Year. There are 54 portions altogether, which means that on some weeks, more than one portion is read.

Anyway..back to this week's parsha. Here's the passage that I'd like to comment on this week:

"For this commandment which I command you this day, is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us, so that we can fulfill it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us, to tell [it] to us, so that we can fulfill it?" Rather,[this] thing is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it."

Some say that this passage is trying to tell us that the Torah and G-d's commandments are accessible to all and that we don't need intermediaries to seek the truth or go "in search of ourselves". Right and wrong is in you...your heart knows what is right and wrong...when you speak, you know when you lie or when you've offended someone and you know when the same is done to you. The study of Torah reminds us to follow our heart and to avoid loshon hora (speaking evil). If we do these things, the good deeds proscribed in the Torah will flow naturally.

Good Shabbos!