Fw: Standing together - Past, Present & Future

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From: "Rabbi Levi Notik" <free@obshina.com>

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Sent: Fri, Sep 19, 2025 at 10:04 AM

Subject: Standing together - Past, Present & Future

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This Week at F.R.E.E. Candle Lighting Times for Chicago: Friday, Sep. 19 6:32 pm Monday, Sep. 22 6:27 pm Tuesday, Sep. 23 7:27 pm Torah Portion: Nitzavim   F.R.E.E.• Email: lnotik@obshina.com• Phone: 773-274-5123 • www.freeofchicago.com     Message from the Rabbi     Dear Friends, As we approach Rosh Hashanah, there's a powerful message in this week's Torah portion. Moses is preparing the people to finally enter the Land of Israel after 40 years in the desert. You would think his words were directed only to those standing in front of him at that moment. But Moses makes it clear: "I am speaking not only to you who are here today, but also to those who are not here." Moses's message wasn't just for his generation—it was for every Jew who ever lived and every Jew who ever will live. That includes our ancestors who lived thousands of years ago, and it includes us today, sitting in the 21st century, trying to make sense of our own lives. It also includes the generations yet to come, which makes each of us an important link in this eternal chain. We often feel like we're a small nation. Fewer than 16 million Jews in a world of billions. But when we realize that we're part of a chain that stretches back over three thousand years and forward to generations not yet born, suddenly we're not so small. We're part of something massive, eternal, and unbreakable. That's why the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah is so meaningful. It reminds us that when we gather in the synagogue, light candles, hear the shofar, or even just take a moment to reflect, we're not doing it alone. We're standing together with Jews of every time and place—past, present, and future. Shabbat shalom and shanah tovah! Rabbi Levi Notik       Rosh Hashanah Schedule       Live Classes on YouTube & Facebook       What's happening at Bubby Fira's food bank? Help us continue our work »     Jewish Humor Pacing back and forth, a man was getting really anxious about his imminent operation. His wife asked him: "What's the matter? Why are you getting so worked up?" He replied: "I heard one of the nurses say 'It's a very simple operation, don't worry, I'm sure you'll be all right.'" "She was just trying to comfort you," said his wife. "What's so frightening about that?" "She was talking to the surgeon!"     This Week @ www.Obshina.com     By the Numbers 10 Facts About the Jews of Romania A beautiful corner of Eastern Europe, it has been home to Jews for centuries. More...     Your Questions Why No Nuts on Rosh Hashanah? There are different reasons given for this custom, each impacting the parameters of what (and when) exactly we refrain from eating. More...     Freeman Files 18 Empowering Contemplations For Rosh Hashanah 18 memes and contemplations for Rosh Hashanah. Illustrated. More...     Halachah for Life What You Need to Know About Hearing the Shofar While there's a lot the shofar-blower needs to know, this guide is all about you, the listener. More...       Parshah in a Nutshell Parshat Nitzavim The name of the Parshah, "Nitzavim," means "Standing," and it is found in Deuteronomy 29:9. The Parshah of Nitzavim includes some of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish faith: The unity of Israel: "You stand today, all of you, before the L‑rd your G‑d: your heads, your tribes, your elders, your officers, and every Israelite man; your young ones, your wives, the stranger in your gate; from your wood-hewer to your water-drawer." The future redemption: Moses warns of the exile and desolation of the Land that will result if Israel abandons G‑d's laws, but then he prophesies that in the end, "You will return to the L‑rd your G‑d . . . If your outcasts shall be at the ends of the heavens, from there will the L‑rd your G‑d gather you . . . and bring you into the Land which your fathers have possessed." The practicality of Torah: "For the mitzvah which I command you this day, it is not beyond you, nor is it remote from you. It is not in heaven . . . It is not across the sea . . . Rather, it is very close to you, in your mouth, in your heart, that you may do it." Freedom of choice: "I have set before you life and goodness, and death and evil: in that I command you this day to love G‑d, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments . . . Life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse. And you shall choose life." Learn: Nitzavim in Depth Browse: Nitzavim Parshah Columnists Prep: Devar Torah Q&A for Nitzavim Read: Haftarah in a Nutshell Play: Nitzavim Parshah Quiz         Today's Quote And G-d said: I have forgiven, as you ask — Numbers 14:20     Chabad World News     North America Local Jews Rally After Santa Monica Pier Attack More…     Obituary Tsevie Gopin, 67, My Mother-in-Law More…     Ukraine War In Ukraine, Celebrating a New Year During an Old War More…     Holiday Watch The Year's Most Intense Time for Experts of this Age-Old Scribal Craft More…

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