Parshas Nitzavim for Kids
פרשת נצבים
"You are all standing here today" - every single one, from the water-drawer to the leader. Teshuvah is not far away or across the sea; it is very close, in your mouth and in your heart.
In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.
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What happens in Parshas Nitzavim
On the last day of Moshe Rabbeinu's life, every single person stands before Hashem, from the leaders of the shevatim to the one who chops the wood and the one who draws the water. Rashi explains that after hearing the warnings of the previous parsha the people grew worried, and Moshe comforted them: look, you are still all standing here today. Hashem makes a bris with them, and also with every Jewish child who will be born in the future.
Moshe promises that even if the people wander far away, they can always do teshuvah, and Hashem will gather them back. The Torah is not up in the heavens or across the sea; it is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart. Moshe ends with the famous words: I have placed before you life and good, so choose life. This parsha is read on the Shabbos right before Rosh Hashanah.
Lessons and middos for children
Everyone matters
From the leader to the water carrier, everyone stood together. We can make sure every child feels included.Teshuvah is close
The Torah says coming back to Hashem is near, in our mouth and heart. We can say sorry and try again.Choosing life
Moshe told the people to choose life and goodness. Each day we can choose a kind word and a good deed.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- Who was standing before Hashem on that day? Was anyone left out?
- What does it mean that the Torah is not in the heavens but close to us?
- Before Rosh Hashanah, what is one thing you would like to do better this year?
- How can you help someone who feels left out feel part of the group?
How your child steps into the story
Your child stands in the great gathering beside the families and the water carriers, and helps a younger child find a place to stand so everyone is included. The story ends with Moshe Rabbeinu preparing to say goodbye in Parshas Vayelech.