Weekly Dvar Torah: Entering the Covenant and Transforming Desires – An End of Year Reflection

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, G-d reminds us in the Parsha of Nitzavim, that all of us—from leaders to water carriers, and everyone in between—stand before Him, ready to enter into a covenant. This covenant is not reserved for the righteous or the prominent but includes everyone, regardless of where they fall on the social or spiritual spectrum. We often feel unworthy, wondering whether we belong in such a sacred moment. But G-d reassures us: we are bound together with Him, not only as individuals but as a united people, standing as one before the King.

The idea of a covenant reflects the bond between two who seek a connection that transcends circumstance. Just as friends might enter a covenant to ensure their friendship survives through thick and thin, G-d enters into a covenant with us, splitting the physical and the spiritual to declare that we are not two separate entities but one. In doing so, He binds Himself to us, and we to Him, promising that He will not forsake us, even when our deeds might seem unworthy.

This relationship brings us comfort, especially as we navigate life in a world that often feels fragmented and distant from its divine source. On the surface, our daily lives might look like mere survival, but internally, G-d desires that we transform the mundane into something holy, making our world a dwelling place for Him. Externally, we may work hard to earn a living, yet internally, we sanctify our earnings by using them for G-dly purposes, turning everyday acts into opportunities for connection with the Divine. The Torah, too, may seem like a collection of laws, but within it lies G-d’s wisdom, guiding us in how to transform the world through the mitzvot.

As we move toward Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of the internal unity between G-d, the Jewish people, and the Torah. This interconnectedness is our guiding light, showing us how to manifest the divine within the mundane. Together, we are tasked with fulfilling G-d’s desire—to bring His presence into this world, to crown Him as King, and to create a year that is not just spiritually uplifting, but also filled with purpose and joy.

This sense of mission extends back to the origins of the Jewish people. Ever since Abraham began spreading the awareness of G-d, Jews have carried an inherent faith, one that is passed down through generations. Whether consciously or instinctively, this faith drives us, as it did during the days of the Baal Shem Tov, whose 326th birthday we recently celebrated. The Baal Shem Tov’s teachings remind us that even when Jews wander across the globe—whether physically or spiritually—they are on a divine mission. Even when distant from the community or unaware of their purpose, they bring G-d’s light to every corner of the world.

This mission is what we should focus on as we enter the New Year. Whether we encounter fellow Jews traveling in distant lands or simply meet people at different stages of their spiritual journey, our task is to reawaken the inherent faith within them and remind them of their connection to G-d. In doing so, we help bring about a sense of love and forgiveness, creating an atmosphere of unity as we approach Rosh Hashanah.

This journey of reconnection is mirrored in the seven weeks of dialogue between G-d and the Jewish people following Tisha B’Av, where we seek comfort from the destruction of the Holy Temples. G-d begins by offering comfort through messengers, but we, feeling forsaken, reject this and cry out for more personal reassurance. Eventually, G-d responds with direct comfort, promising joy, expansion, and light. By the seventh week, just before Rosh Hashanah, we finally accept this comfort, rejoicing in G-d’s presence and feeling prepared for the New Year.

This period of reflection brings to mind a personal memory that serves as an inspiring example of how we can live with faith, joy, and connection. Recently, my grandson Levi, named after his great-grandfather R’ Levi Pressman, celebrated his Opsherenish, his first haircut. This event reminded me of a moment in 1971 when I witnessed Reb Levik, a man of tremendous faith, reunite with his old friend Reb Moshe Greenberg after many years of separation due to the harsh conditions of the Soviet regime. These two Chassidim, who had practiced Judaism underground during Stalin’s tyranny, danced with overwhelming joy in front of 770 Eastern Parkway. Their brotherly love and joy were palpable, and as the Rebbe approached, they adjusted their dancing out of respect, only for the Rebbe to smile and encourage them to dance even more. This image of joy and faith left a deep imprint on me, reminding me of the importance of carrying these values into our lives and passing them on to the next generation.

As I reflect on this memory and on the broader themes of the New Year, I am reminded that this is also a time for personal transformation. Each of us has desires and passions, some of which are rooted in materialism. But the beauty of Judaism is that it teaches us how to elevate these desires, transforming them from the physical to the spiritual. The desires for wealth, beauty, pleasure, or even intellectual achievement can all be directed toward a higher purpose. We can eat not just for pleasure, but to honor Shabbat and Yom Tov. We can channel our love and passion into relationships with family, neighbors, and G-d. Music can uplift our souls, and our intellect can be engaged in the study of Torah, bringing us closer to G-d’s wisdom. Even our reflections on life’s deeper purpose can be oriented toward understanding our mission in this world.

In this way, we transform our desires into vehicles for divine connection, moving from a life driven by material needs to one infused with spirituality and purpose. As we enter 5785, let us commit to this transformation. Let us strive to live a life dedicated to G-d, filled with joy, unity, and a sense of mission, so that we can bring G-d’s presence into every aspect of our world.

May this Rosh Hashanah usher in a year of blessings, health, and happiness for all of us. May we be inscribed for a sweet, loving New Year, and may G-d’s revealed glory bring peace in Israel and redemption to the entire world.

Have a Transformative Shabbos and a Sweet New Year,
Gut Shabbos,

Rabbi Yosef Katzman