This Shabbat we read the two parshiyot, the two selections, of Nitzavim and Vayelech. As 5760 is not a Jewish leap year, there is the necessity of having double Torah readings on several Shabbatot.

Nitzavim employs the exhortative style of Deuteronomy to call for obedience to the covenant. The brit is not only the obligation of the generation of the wilderness. It is the responsibility of Israel for all time to come. "Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; but with him that stands here with us this day before the L-rd our G-d, and also with him that is not here with us this day." The covenant with G-d is absolute; there can be no compromise on the loyalty of Israel to her G-d. Please note the dots above the phrase "lanu ul'vanenu" in Deuteronomy 29:28. It is believed that the dots draw attention to the eternal binding nature of the covenant for all successive generations. "The secret things belong to the L-rd our G-d; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law."

If Israel shall heed the covenant, she shall return to her land from exile and be blessed. Material prosperity is seen as the reward for obedience. The teaching that Moses has given is portrayed as being logical and comprehensible. "For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off." The Torah is not an esoteric doctrine revealed only to the few. "But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it."

Heaven and earth are called as witnesses to testify to the relationship between G-d and His people. The nation of Israel is given the choice - if they heed the covenant, they will be blessed.

The Torah selection of Vayelech describes the final days of Moses. Moses shares with the people that at the age of 120, he will not enter the Promised Land with them. He encourages the nation that they will be victorious in their conquest of the land. Moses extends his blessing to Joshua, who will inherit the mantle of leadership upon his passing. The Levites are given the sacred teaching which they are instructed to read every seven years during the festival of Sukkot. The entire people of Israel, men, women, children, and resident-aliens are to listen to the public teaching. Moses is brought into the Tent of Meeting where G-d instructs him of his final duties. The Levites are charged with placing the sacred teaching adjacent to the Ark of the Covenant. Moses again exhorts the nation to uphold the covenant.