Dear Diary, the first half of today’s Torah portion is “Nitzavim”, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. This portion is one of my favorites. A real beacon of hope for a homesick soul in tribulation. As the world and it’s people spin out of control, my Father shines a spotlight for my Spirit to hone in on.
Nitzavim (“stand” (plural)) begins in Deut 29:10 and ends with 30:20. A short portion but packing a hefty punch. The book of Deuteronomy is my favorite book of Torah. Moses’ desperate plea to the people he shepherded for 40 years, albeit knowing they would soon turn from the Way YHVH taught them to walk in. Yet, he knows that in the latter days, a remnant will return to the Way of YHVH, clinging to His Torah. Therein lies our hope. For instance, here are a few verses:
Deu 30:1 – ¶“Now it shall come to pass, when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where YHVH Elohecha* drives you, 2 – “and you return to YHVH Elohecha and obey His voice, according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 – “that YHVH Elohecha will bring you back from captivity, and have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the nations where YHVH Elohecha has scattered you. 4 – “If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there YHVH Elohecha will gather you, and from there He will bring you. 5 – “Then YHVH Elohecha will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. 6 – “And YHVH Elohecha will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love YHVH Elohecha with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.” * Elohecha = your (2nd person singular) God
Just going to add some more verses on here that I love for quick, future reference.
the Hebrew Gypsy 