Lead Tidbit
The Golden Opportunity
Nitzavim is ALWAYS the sedra read on the Shabbat before Rosh HaShana. Sometimes alone, and more often combined with Vayeilech - but Nitzavim always brings us into Rosh HaShana and the Yamim Nora'im. Even though Nitzavim contains Tochacha-like reproach, warning, prediction, prophecy, it does not come across as "heavy" as the Tochacha in Ki Tavo.

For it also contains the antidote to all the bad things that can befall us as individual Jews who stray from G-d and Torah, and as part of the Jewish People, who tend to "anger" G-d from time to time, often with devastating consequences. And that antidote is T'SHUVA, repentance. It is in Nitzavim that G-d tells us that the warnings and threats of the Tochacha might indeed befall us. But if that will happen... then you shall return to G-d and listen to His voice, and return to all that we have been commanded to do with a renewed sincerity and commitment. A command to return means that we have it within ourselves to return. G-d does not demand of us what we are not capable of doing. And He promises to meet us half way, so to speak. He will bring us back if we embark on the path of T'shuva. G-d further assures us that this mitzva (possibly referring to T'shuva and possibly to all of Torah) is very accessible to us. It is not remote from us, nor is it in heaven nor across the sea. It is very, very close to us, and involves our feelings, speech, and action. Then G-d emphasizes the notion of Free Will, which is a prerequisite (or co-requisite) of T'shuva. Yes, we are accountable for our deeds, but we always have it within us to choose the correct path in life. We are capable of distinguishing between good and evil and of choosing good.

Above all, the Torah stresses that love of G-d is the goal and the means to achieve the commitment to Torah and Mitzvot that will give us long, meaningful lives. Rather than fear and despair that can come from the Tochacha, Nitzavim fills us with a hopeful message for Yom HaDin.