From the Rav’s Desk: Why are the Parshiyos of Netzavim/Vayeilech separate this year?

1. Question: [Thursday, 4th Tishreiy, 5782]

Why are the Parshiyos of Netzavim/Vayeilech sometimes read together and sometimes read separately, such as this year?

Answer:

The Parsha of Nitzavim is always read the Shabbos prior to Rosh Hashanah. Thus, when Rosh Hashanah falls on Monday-Tuesday, since there are two Shabbosos between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkos, the Parshiyos of Nitzavim-Vayeilech must be split, with Nitzavim being read before Rosh Hashanah, and Vayeilech being read on Shabbos Shuva, which is the Shabbos before Yom Kippur. Haazinu is then read after Yom Kippur, on the Shabbos before Sukkos. The Siman for this is “Bag [i.e. Monday-Tuesday] Hamelech [i.e. Rosh Hashanah] Pas Vayeilech [i.e. Split Nitzavim and Vayeilech].” However, when Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday-Friday, since there is only one Shabbos between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkos, in which the Parsha of Haazinu is read, therefore on the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah Nitzavim-Vayeilech must be read together.

 

Sources: Michaber 428:4; Tur 428; M”A 428:5

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