Nitzavim | The Devarim "Revolution"

Nitzavim | The Devarim "Revolution", by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

What are we to make of Moshe's "Teshuva speech" in Devarim 30:1-10? The "Parashat haTeshuva" (Devarim 30:1-10) seems to double back on itself, introducing Teshuva and then - introducing it again. Based loosely on a wonderful shiur by Rav Baruch Gigi, Rosh Yeshivat Har Etzion, we analyze the difference between the obeisance directed in Sefer Shemot-Bamidbar as opposed to the emotional attachment between HKBH and Knesset Yisrael introduced by Moshe in his grand speech of Sefer Devarim. Using this dichotomy to suggest two different sets of consequences of "non-compliance" (or "Divine disappointment"), we propose reading the two segments of Parashat haTeshuva as first and foremost addressing the core relationship with HKBH and only after that relating to the practical commitment to Mitzvot.