Published September 02, 2010
Parsha Points to Ponder Nitzavim-Vayeilech
1) Why does the Torah spend so many words describing the destruction of S’dom when relating the destruction G-D will bring upon us when we do not heed His commands (29:22)?
2) Why does the Torah first describe our exile as G-D PUSHING us (HIDICHACHA 30:1) and then switch to describing it as His SCATTERING us (HEFITZCHA 30:3)?
3) What is the meaning of the double words used to describe choices of good and bad throughout the parsha - CHAYIM (Life) / TOV (Good) and MAVET (Death) / RA (Bad) in 30:15 and then in 30:19 CHAYIM (Life) / BRACHA (Blessing) and MAVET (Death) / K’LALA (Curse)? Why are two descriptions of the good and bad needed?
Ponder the questions first, here are the answers
1) The S’forno explains that the Torah is relating that the people will recognize that this destruction came from G-D and it could not be explained away as a natural disaster. The only similar event was the destruction of S’dom which everyone recognized G-D OVERTURNED WITH HIS ANGER AND FURY. Thus, a significant lesson is learned from the details related regarding the destruction of S’dom.
2) The Kli Yakar teaches that a mistake that Jews make in exile is thinking that G-D has cast us aside and has no interest in a relationship with us or our mitzva observance. This is captured by the first word HIDICHACHA, describing our mistake which leads to our sinning. However, in the end, we will come to the recognition that G-D was not pushing us away from Him but simply scaterring us physically as captured by the second word, HEFITZCHA.
3) The Ohr HaChayim explains that the descriptions of LIFE and DEATH refer to the good and bad which we can bring upon ourselves in this world, and the second description refers to the good or bad which we can bring upon ourselves after death in the next world.
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