This Shabbat we read the same verses that we will read in just over two weeks on Yom Kippur. Nitzavim-Vayeilech addresses the assembled people about to enter into a covenant with God with the words, "You stand this day, every one of you, before the Eternal your God--your tribal heads, your elders, and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your women, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer" (Deut. 29:9-10).
Often we think of Torah and Jewish text as being androcentric, being mostly about men, often excluding the women. But this week's Torah portion reminds us that each and every one of us is included in the covenant with God, not just the people with titles, not just the men, and not even just the Israelites, but each and every person -- men, women, and children -- who were part of the Israelite community.
It's easy to be a part of a community when we are at the center of it, when we are its leaders, or when the community addresses us specifically. Often, though, we find ourselves outside the circle, excluded, and isolated from the larger community. Nitzavim-Vayeilech reminds us that just as we hope that others will reach out to us when we feel excluded, God expects us to make sure the people on the fringe are brought into the inner circle and made part of our community. This is part of our responsibility and God's expectation of us.
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