Parshat Nitzavim opens with Moses gathering the entire Jewish people for the last time in his life. He warns them not to be tempted by the evil ways of idolaters, and not to rationalize inappropriate behavior by saying "G-d will forgive us." This belief, he says, will ultimately cause our people much punishment and exile over the years. He adds that although they will sin, eventually the Jews will return to Torah, and G-d will usher in the Messianic era and return them to the Land of Israel.

Moses tells the Jews that the Torah and mitzvot are not beyond their abilities; a life of Torah is well within everyone's reach. The portion concludes with Moses exhorting the Jews to choose the Torah and goodness over evil and misfortune.