As the Jewish nation stands on the brink of the Jordan River, ready to enter the land of Israel, Moses delivers his final teachings. Up until this point, the Israelites had relied almost entirely on God in the desert. They were reliant on God for sustenance and protection. They lacked an independent justice system and governance. Life had been dictated by divine guidance, and personal responsibility had been limited. However, as they’re about to enter the Land, the Israelites prepared themselves for their new reality: a world where they would be responsible for their own actions and for the moral fabric of their community.
In this week’s parsha, Netzavim, Moses emphasized a profound principle: the Torah and commandments are “not in the heavens”. Justice, morality, and the direction of society are not determined solely by divine intervention; they are placed in our hands. We cannot wait for God or for others to act. This principle applies not only to leaders but to every individual. Each person is called to take responsibility for what happens in their community, to confront wrongdoing, and to ensure that society reflects God’s ethical vision.
This teaching highlights both communal and individual responsibility. On a communal level, justice is the role of leaders and courts; they enforce judgments for the betterment of society. Yet individuals are not absolved of responsibility. The Jewish people cannot wait for God to instruct them personally on how to act in every moment. God gives humans a guidebook and free will, and with that comes a call for moral courage: to recognize wrongdoing, educate themselves and others, and take tangible steps to improve their communities.
The message of Netzavim is timeless. Just this week on campus it was posted that a new BDS bill will be proposed. BDS poses a threat to the Jewish community. Even if it does not directly change university policies, its implementation signals a campus climate where discrimination against the Jewish state and the neglect of dialogue are not only tolerated but encouraged. Students face a decision: they can ignore it, waiting for divine intervention, or they can take the opportunity to act. The answer is not “in the heavens”, it is here with us, and it is our responsibility to shape the outcome in our campus environment. Whether that means rising to confront the bill or standing as a united Jewish community, we are charged to act.
Netzavim teaches us that life, justice, and moral responsibility are ours to shape. By embracing this charge, we affirm the value of our community. Just as the Israelites were called to take ownership as they entered a new stage of life, we too must act decisively against antisemitism as it approaches our doorstep.
Justice is not in the heavens.
Responsibility is not in the heavens.
The opportunity to make a difference, right here and now, is in our hands.
