The covenant that connects us all

Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20

Jewish liturgy is rich with prayers and blessings that emphasize the sacred responsibility of passing Judaism from one generation to the next. In the morning Amidah, we recite the words, “L’dor vador nagid godlecha” — from generation to
generation, we will make known Your

greatness. In the V’ahavta, we read, “You shall teach them diligently to your children.” These powerful words remind us that the chain of tradition endures because each of us adds a link. The Hebrew word for tradition, masoret, originally means “bond” or “fetter.” Tradition, then, is not simply something we inherit — it is a chain of connections that links us to
both the past and the future.

In this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim, we read: “I make this covenant, with its sanctions, not with you alone, but both with those who are standing here with us this day before the Eternal our God, and with those who are not with us here this day.” The sages teach that these final words refer to the souls of future generations who were present in spirit, even if not yet
born. God’s covenant, then, is not limited to a single moment in history, but extends across all time, binding every Jew — past, present, and future — in sacred relationship.

In our world today, there is an overwhelming sense of disconnection. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared an Epidemic of Loneliness — a crisis that began before, but was deepened by, the pandemic.

Loneliness has profound impacts on mental and physical health, contributing to heart disease, stroke and dementia. One antidote is meaningful social connection — finding a place in a community where you’re not only welcomed, but truly belong. Judaism has understood this for centuries. Being part of a tradition means knowing that your life has purpose, that you are a treasured link in a chain stretching from Sinai into the unknown future.

As we enter the Days of Awe, we might feel that connection more intensely. The prayers we say, the meals we share, the rituals we perform — all these pull us into a conversation with generations past. At the same time, these rites remind us of the purpose of Jewish tradition: to help us build a more just and compassionate world for the generations that will come. Being part of a chain of tradition gives us hope. It makes us feel more grounded, more connected and less alone.

May we each see ourselves as vital links in this sacred chain. May we know that our presence and our actions can be
lifelines for those feeling isolated or unseen. May we continue to strengthen our ties to the past and the ancient wisdom that guides us, to the present and the communities that support us, and to the sacred work we do to realize our vision for a better future. PJC

Rabbi Emily Meyer is the Lifelong Learning coordinator at Temple Emanuel of South Hills. This column is a service of the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Clergy Association.