Nitzavim - Vayeilech | Reform Judaism

When Is Nitzavim - Vayeilech Read?

September 5, 2026 / 23 Elul 5786

September 25, 2027 / 23 Elul 5787

September 16, 2028 / 25 Elul 5788

Summary

Moses tells the assembled people that God's covenant speaks to them and to all of the generations who will follow. (29:9–14)
God warns the Israelites that they will be punished if they act idolatrously, the way the inhabitants of the other nations do. (29:15–28)
Moses reassures the people that God will not forsake them and that they can attain blessings by following God's commandments. (30:1–20)
Moses prepares the people for his death and announces that Joshua will succeed him. (31:1–8)
Moses instructs the priests and the elders regarding the importance of reading the Torah. (31:9–13)
God informs Moses that upon his death, the people will commit idolatry and "many evils and troubles shall befall them." God tells Moses to teach the people a poem that will "be My witness." (31:14–30)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Nitzavim - Vayeilech Commentary

Photo of a group of people of different genders and ages holding prayer books at bent over praying

How to Stand Proudly, Not Perfectly

Four times in this week's parashah, we read Moses' command to Joshua as he transfers power: "hazak v'amatz," be strong and courageous. Strength and courage are not arrogance or stubbornness - strength and courage are found in the stumbling and straying. Nitzavim/Vayeilech means we stand and go; the directive is not physical but metaphorical and internal.