By Alex Bolotovsky, CEO of J Leaders
Parsha in a Nutshell
In Nitzavim (Deut. 29:9–30:20), Moses gathers the whole community (leaders, kids, strangers, everyone) and lays out the covenant. He makes it clear: the path ahead comes with both blessings and consequences. And just in case people think the covenant is too abstract, he says: “It is not in heaven… it is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, so you can do it.”
Digging Deeper
Transparency Creates Trust
Moses doesn’t sugarcoat. He spells out both outcomes: blessing and curse (30:15–19). No surprises, no hidden rules. Leadership here is about clarity: people know what’s expected, and they know what happens if they drift away. Transparency makes the covenant workable and trustworthy.
Clarity Empowers Action
By saying the covenant is “not in heaven… not across the sea” (30:11–14), Moses dismantles excuses. No one can say the rules are too complicated or too distant. The clarity of expectations gives everyone confidence that they can actually live by them.
Leadership Takeaway
Ambiguity erodes trust. Transparency builds it. Clear expectations don’t just prevent confusion, they empower people to step up with confidence.
Weekly Leadership Challenge
- Set one clear expectation: In work, school, or relationships. Name what success looks like out loud.
- Cut the fine print: Simplify one commitment so it’s easy to understand and follow through.
- Check for clarity: Ask someone directly if they understand what you expect (or what they expect of you).