FOR NITZAVIM-VAYELECH
A SCOTCH FOR UNITY
It is doubtful that anyone reading these words outside of England is familiar with Alex Salmond. His political title is, “first minister of Scotland.” He was behind the referendum that was just defeated: to turn Scotland into an independent country, by dividing it from England and the “United” Kingdom.
Just over five million people live in Scotland. The state of Georgia, where the Lew family resides, has almost double than that. Despite the importance of Scotch whisky to some, one would think that with all the news-worthy stories across the globe – some deeply disturbing and some really amazing – Scotland’s fate would be typically insignificant. Instead, this has been a leading news story, especially intensifying over the past few weeks leading up to this fateful vote.
Scotland, like the rest of Europe, is an ancient land. Until three hundred years ago, it was susceptible to invasions and wars, especially with its neighbor, Britain. After it signed the Treaty of the Union with England in 1706, and became part of the United Kingdom, it has enjoyed tranquility, prosperity, and popularity.
Apparently, though, some living there feel that they can accomplish more by governing their own land on their own. These people have led an intensive campaign, focusing on the utopian promise of such a development.
I grew up in London. I have very close family members, including my dear parents – may they live and be well – who continue to call England home. Being unfamiliar with the political and social issues involved, though, leaves me without an educated opinion. Besides, to the people of Scotland, my opinion is totally irrelevant.
Yet, because the story seems to have caused a global stir, it must carry some relevance even to those to whom it does not seem important.
It should actually be obvious. If Scotland has enjoyed relative quiet and tranquility together with economic prosperity for over three-hundred years, tampering with that does not seem to be a prudent move. The risks of taking off alone are sometimes justified, but in this case the gains do not seem worth the great perils of the unknown future, as rosy as some may have imagined it to be.
This is not to say that independence is a bad thing. With no choice, good can certainly be produced. Ultimately, though, unity – a “United” Kingdom – is usually better and stronger.
The people of Scotland were certainly heard in the London headquarters. They were promised greater autonomy and a louder voice. Unity, in the end, did win. And it should, as understood from a fascinating statement appearing in this week’s (first of two) Torah portions, “Nitzavim.”
The Torah records the words of Moses: “This body of commandments… is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. It is not in the skies that you should say, ‘Who will go up to the skies for us and take it for us and tell it to us, so that we can keep it?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us, to tell it to us, so that we can keep it?’ Rather, this thing is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.” (D’varim (Deuteronomy) 30:11-14.)
On his final day on earth, Moses is reminding the Jewish people that they have all they need to continue to be the Jewish people by holding on to the Torah. There is no need for them to travel anywhere, to meet anyone, or to indulge in any other activity. It is all there.
When the Jewish people were charged with the Ten Commandments together with the entire Torah, they were all assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai. The Torah describes this moment as “G-d descended upon the top of Mount Sinai.” (Sh’mos (Exodus) 19:20.) The people witnessed with their very eyes how the Torah, indeed even the Almighty, was brought down to them. They witnessed this, and they knew this well. The Torah, the Divine mandate, was now in their hands, delivered directly to them. Was it really necessary for Moses to spend time, on his final day on earth, to let the Jewish people know that the Torah is neither in heaven nor over the seas?
Moses was not referring to the Torah they had in their hands. This was too obvious. Rather, he was referring to the oral Torah. These supplements to the Torah were, for whatever reason, not recorded in writing. Yet, the oral Torah is equally part of the Torah, without which, most of the Torah is not properly understood.
The oral Torah was neither delivered via tablets, nor recorded on parchment. It was delivered orally to Moses, and from him orally to the people. Moses had spent forty days on Mount Sinai studying this with the Almighty. While he was on the mountain, Moses “did not eat bread or drink water,” as recorded previously in the Torah (Ex. 34:28; Deu. 9:9). Moses was in “heaven” receiving this transmission. Furthermore, when in doubt, Moses simply turned to the Almighty to clarify and to learn other ideas and laws.
Moses was now telling the people that the Torah is no longer in heaven. It is no longer necessary for any human being to climb up a mountain to visit heaven in order to receive the Divine transmissions. It has all come down to earth and is accessible to everyone. And it is not merely accessible, but “it is very near to you.”
The Jewish people, said Moses, had now experienced a “united” Torah. It would all be in one place, very near to anyone. The Jewish people would now be able to experience the pillar of strength: The complete and unified Torah.
When strengths are unified, infinitely more can be achieved than when the two are separated. As both portions foretell, when the Jewish people abandon any section of the Torah, they are weakened. Strength is in unity.
Now that the United Kingdom remains, indeed, united, everyone can expect continued strength. Surely, the people of Scotland will gain from this process as well. It is time for all to pour a little Scotch whisky, and say “L’chaim,” while wishing the people of both countries strength in the right areas, as well as people all over the world a very happy and healthy new year and good life
SUMMARY:Unity is the ultimate strength of the Torah and of the Jewish people. Those in Scotland ought to pay attention.