Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5786 | Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blachman

🎬 Watch this shiur on YouTube **── Shiur Outline ──** (0:07) Yahrtzeit Dedication and Opening Remarks (2:00) Ramban vs Rambam on the Teshuva Verse (3:46) Rambam’s Definition of the First Step of Teshuva (5:13) Tanya’s Teaching on Total Commitment in Teshuva (6:48) Understanding Lishmor Through Gemara Yevamot (10:37) Kablas Ol Malchus: The King Analogy and True Teshuva (15:06) Closing Blessings and Wishes for the New Year AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information): The central question of the shiur addresses why most Rishonim do not count the act of **teshuva** as a specific positive commandment, despite its fundamental role in Jewish life. Drawing from the Rambam and the Tanya, the shiur concludes that **teshuva** is not merely a list of actions but a total metamorphosis involving the complete removal of sin from one's agenda. True return is defined as **kabalas ol malchus shamayim**, the re-acceptance of Divine sovereignty, which serves as the essential prerequisite for fulfilling all other decrees. Thus, the work of Rosh Hashanah is to return to a state of constant God-awareness, where one views themselves fundamentally as a servant standing in the presence of the King. 1\. **Repentance as a promise** — While some authorities like the **Ramban** view **teshuva** as a formal commandment, others, including the **Rambam**, primarily view the Torah's words as a divine promise (**havtacha**) that Israel will eventually return to God. 2\. **Beyond simple regret** — The essence of **teshuva** is **azeivas hacheit** (abandoning the sin), which means reaching a state where the transgression is no longer an option or an agenda item. 3\. **Commitment to sovereignty** — True **teshuva** requires a person to resolve in their heart never to return to such "stupidity," viewing sin as a rebellion against the **malchut** (sovereignty) of **HaKadosh Baruch Hu**. 4\. **The definition of Shmira** — The concept of **lishmor** (to guard/heed) implies living with a constant sense of responsibility and **kabalat ol** (acceptance of the yoke), standing far back from even the possibility of transgression. 5\. **Awe of the Commander** — Based on the **Gemara** in **Yevamos (6a)**, our observance must stem from awe of the One who commanded (**mi shetzivah**), rather than just the technical mechanics of the **mitzvah**. 6\. **Acceptance before legislation** — As the **Mechilta** teaches, a king cannot effectively decree laws until the people first accept his sovereignty; similarly, consistent religious life depends on first accepting **ol malchus shamayim**. 7\. **The goal of Rosh Hashanah** — The primary work of the new year is **kabalas hamalchus** (accepting the Kingship), which serves as the foundational cure for selective observance and spiritual inconsistency. 8\. **Constant Divine Presence** — The ultimate **teshuva** is returning to the principle of **Shiviti Hashem lenegdi tamid** (placing God before me always), living with an active awareness of standing in the Divine presence.