Dvar Torah for Nitzavim
Dvar Torah for Nitzavim

The Evil Inclination presents people with a tremendous opportunity. In the Days of Moshiach, the inclination to do evil will be nullified. But as a consequence, the opportunities for self-improvement (and thereby self-perfection) will be lost. Only in combat with the Evil Inclination do we have such challenges, and therefore such opportunities.

The opportunity to do Teshuva is one of the opportunities which me must appreciate and seize.

30:6. AND HASHEM YOUR G-D WILL CIRCUMSIZE YOUR HEART AND THE HEART OF YOUR SEED TO LOVE HASHEM YOUR G-D WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR LIFE.

(1) Although speaking to the nation, (2) and alluding to the final Repentance and Redemption, these words are intended as instructions also (1) for individuals (2) and also for any time. Similarly, the admonition "and no longer stiffen the neck" (10:16)  was said to the nation, yet Rambam (More Nevuchim 3:33) uses this as an admonition also to each person in regard to his behavior toward a fellowman.

Thus Rabenu Yonah (Shaare Teshuvah 1:1) derives from this verse (which is said to the nation, alluding to the Final Redemption) that whenever any individual returns to Hashem (even because of troubles that come upon him) and hearkens to His voice with all his heart and soul, he and his children (as in verse 30:2), then Hashem will aid them beyond their ability and will bestow upon them a new spirit to attain higher levels of love of Him.

We see that the great Torah-teachers (Rambam, Rabenu Yonah) learn from the national lessons that they are intended for instruction also for individuals.

We further learn from this verse that when we return to Hashem in considerable measure, He shall introduce a new era when a spirit of righteousness will set in and which shall facilitate our efforts to achieve excellence in our minds and our characters and in service of Hashem. It will be much easier to be righteous.

This happy existence shall, however, be a cause for regret. In the days before, men struggled against the Evil Inclination and were able to remain righteous only by means of greater effort; and they thereby earned a greater reward: "According to the distress, so is the reward" (Avos 5:23).

Therefore, "Remember your Creator before...there arrive the days when you shall say 'I do not desire them' (Koheleles 12:1); "these are the days of Mashiach" (Shabbos 151B) when less effort will be needed in order to be righteous.

Included in the process of "circumcising the heart" will be the breakdown of the power of the nations and thus bringing to an end their very harmful influence upon our people. (See 29:15 above.)