Aliya Summary: Moshe told the Jewish people that they have been given
free choice to choose between good and evil, life and death. Their
choice will determine whether they are the beneficiaries of G‑d's
blessings or curses. Moshe implored the Israelites to choose life. Moshe
informed the people that he is 120 years of age on that day, and he is
not permitted to cross the Jordan River together with them. Instead,
Joshua will lead them, and G‑d will go before them and destroy their
enemies. Moshe enjoined the Israelites to be strong and not fear their
enemies.
From ou.org: The concept of Free Will is
beautifully expressed in the concluding Aliya of Nitzavim. It marks the
difference between human beings and all other creations. The sun and the
moon "fulfill" G-d's commands without conscious decisions. A bee
doesn't think things out and decide to pollinate a flower. Nor does a
lion attacking a weak zebra evaluate the morality of his act. Only
humans have the choice to do good or evil. G-d recommends and pleads
with us to choose Life and Good, but He leaves the choice to us. That is
why we are accountable for our actions; and that is why we stand before
G-d in judgment on Rosh Hashana, while animals do not.
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