"Lo Bashamayim hee...." - the Torah is not in the Heavens.
This pasuk from our sedra is among the most interesting phrases in all of Tanach. But what, exactly, does it mean?
On a Halachic level, it comes to tell us that while the Torah may be a miraculous work, written "by the finger of G-d" and containing the wisdom of the cosmos, its interpretation and implementation is left up to Man. Human beings must ultimately decide what the Torah means and judge accordingly. Not even a sign from Shamayim or a voice from beyond outweighs the decision of a duly qualified rabbi or Bet Din.
On a practical level, this adage teaches that the essence of Torah is doing. High-minded platitudes and ideas are suitable for contemplation and discussion, but they don't take the place of the actual performance of mitzvot. Debate the esoteric meaning of every nuance of every word, if you like, but make sure you get your head out of the clouds and bentsch after the meal.
On yet another level, "Lo bashamayim hee" tells us that G-d gave the Torah to be implemented here on Earth, by mortal human beings. We are not angels. We make mistakes. We mess up. We sin. We don't always live up to the standards that Hashem set for us. Though the Torah was written before Man was created, and though it was craved by the angels, G-d decided that we creatures of flesh and blood - and not the heavenly creatures - should be the ones to possess it.
How appropriate it is, therefore, that Nitzavim-Vayelech is read just before Rosh Hashanah. The whole essence of the holiday is that Hashem loves us - with all our faults - that He wants the best for us, that He is continually prepared to meet us half-way and forgive our miscues, if only we make the effort to return to Him.
To be human is to make mistakes, and no one knows that better than G-d. That is why He presented us with this gift of Teshuva, so that we could make a new start and face life without guilt, without pessimism or gloom.
The very titles of the Parshiyot send this same message: Nitzavim - get back up, stand tall, look the world square in the eye. Vayelech - move forward, forge ahead, climb that ladder of holiness without fear or foreboding.
We may not be Angels, but if we try our hardest, the sky's the limit.
This pasuk from our sedra is among the most interesting phrases in all of Tanach. But what, exactly, does it mean?
On a Halachic level, it comes to tell us that while the Torah may be a miraculous work, written "by the finger of G-d" and containing the wisdom of the cosmos, its interpretation and implementation is left up to Man. Human beings must ultimately decide what the Torah means and judge accordingly. Not even a sign from Shamayim or a voice from beyond outweighs the decision of a duly qualified rabbi or Bet Din.
On a practical level, this adage teaches that the essence of Torah is doing. High-minded platitudes and ideas are suitable for contemplation and discussion, but they don't take the place of the actual performance of mitzvot. Debate the esoteric meaning of every nuance of every word, if you like, but make sure you get your head out of the clouds and bentsch after the meal.
On yet another level, "Lo bashamayim hee" tells us that G-d gave the Torah to be implemented here on Earth, by mortal human beings. We are not angels. We make mistakes. We mess up. We sin. We don't always live up to the standards that Hashem set for us. Though the Torah was written before Man was created, and though it was craved by the angels, G-d decided that we creatures of flesh and blood - and not the heavenly creatures - should be the ones to possess it.
How appropriate it is, therefore, that Nitzavim-Vayelech is read just before Rosh Hashanah. The whole essence of the holiday is that Hashem loves us - with all our faults - that He wants the best for us, that He is continually prepared to meet us half-way and forgive our miscues, if only we make the effort to return to Him.
To be human is to make mistakes, and no one knows that better than G-d. That is why He presented us with this gift of Teshuva, so that we could make a new start and face life without guilt, without pessimism or gloom.
The very titles of the Parshiyot send this same message: Nitzavim - get back up, stand tall, look the world square in the eye. Vayelech - move forward, forge ahead, climb that ladder of holiness without fear or foreboding.
We may not be Angels, but if we try our hardest, the sky's the limit.