Bringing Standing Energy to Daily Living

9: “You are all standing today before God, your God – the leaders of your tribes, your elders, your sheriffs, every Jew.

There are two ways this could have been written.

One is: “You are here today.” The other, the one the Torah actually uses, is: “You are standing here today.”

It doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but it is. “Here” is casual. “Standing” is commanding. When someone is standing, facing you, there’s authority.

Think about it: in the army, don’t try to salute sitting down. At any national anthem, you don’t slouch in your chair. When a leader gives a strong speech from a podium, they stand. Why? Because standing demands presence and attention.

So why is the Torah so specific here? Why “standing” before God?

Because the Torah is telling that our connection with God is not a casual one based on sitting. Not literally of course as no one expects us to be on our feet 24/7. Too often, we (and I mean myself) go through life as couch potatoes. Information comes in, we nod, we decide whether or not we’ll take it seriously, and then we move on. That’s sitting energy.

Standing energy is different.

Standing says: I’m present. I’m engaged. I’m taking this seriously. I’m ready to respond.

Parshat Nitzavim, in its first passuk, says that every Jew is standing before God. Not to drift in half-awake, half-casual, deciding later if it matters.

No. Stand. Engage. Accept.

Rosh Hashana is in 3 days. The day we stand, literally, before God and account for our year.

Don’t go into Rosh Hashana sitting. Don’t go in casual. Don’t go in slouched. Go in standing. Fully present. Fully engaged. Ready to say: Hineni. I’m here. I’m ready to live this year with purpose.

God doesn’t want us half-asleep on the couch. He wants us standing tall, facing Him, building a beautiful upcoming year full of endless blessings.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova!