As Elul approaches, the exhortations of the High Holidays begin to ring in our ears, calling us to examine our lives and begin anew.
I love the majestic language at the start of this week’s parashah: “See this day I place before you blessing and curse” (Deuteronomy 11:26). The Torah then expands on the command, naming the “blessing” as the consequence of living in alignment with God — and the “curse” for those who turn away from God and think that other forces could serve as an anchor for their lives.
The Gaon of Vilna, who lived in the 18th century, must have loved this opening verse as well because he left us a word-by-word commentary on it, revealing riches in every word. I have paraphrased his commentary in Itturei Torah (vol. 6, p.81) here:
See: The word “re’eh,” or “see,” is in the singular form, while “lif’neichem,” or “before you,” (three words later) is in the plural. What does this teach us? That a person should not say, “What good is it if I choose my own positive path, when most of the world is making bad choices?” Rather, the verse tells us to do what is before us (individually). Focus on what is yours to do, regardless of what the rest of the world is doing.
I. A person should not say, “How can I resist the temptations of the yetzer hara/the evil inclination”? Rather, know that “Anochi,” or “I,” will always be there to support you.
Place: The verse is not in the past tense, lest a person think that if they once made a negative choice they are irredeemable. Rather, God places this choice before us, in the present. There is always a chance to choose a positive way, until the day we die.
Before you: One may feel unsure about what is the good path and what is the wrong way because everything is so complicated. Therefore, the text comes to teach, “Before you.” Pay attention. Hear and see the unfolding of events with a discerning eye, and all will become clear to you.
This day: A person may say, “How can I repair my soul, which is tainted by sin? What can I do with the sins I have committed until now?” Therefore the Torah says “hayom,” or “this day.” Let every day be new in your eyes. Doing teshuvah (repentance), you can become a new person at any moment.
In this brief commentary, the Gaon of Vilna raises precisely the questions we need to wrestle with as we begin our teshuvah journey this year.
Overwhelmed by the world? This year, of all years, so many of us find ourselves inundated with news, fears and pain related to Israel, Gaza, antisemitism and more. Where can we find the time and energy to explore spiritual growth this year? To this concern, the Gaon tells us to focus our attention directly on what we can repair: our own heart. There are times, of course, to work on the problems of the world, but during this sacred season, it is time to bring our attention within.
Discouraged and skeptical? Do you find yourself feeling stuck, skeptical and discouraged about the possibility of making the changes that would make your life more healthy and righteous? Are there habits and tendencies that you have tried and tried to repair in the past, to no avail? Do you look at the words of the confessional prayers each year and notice that your prayers in the past have not moved you to make lasting change? If so, the Gaon asks you to open to sources of help and inspiration in your life — perhaps a belief in God, nourishment you receive from wisdom literature and from community, or loved ones who want to support you in your growth. Believe that every moment brings new possibilities. Today, right now, real teshuvah is possible if you turn your attention and intention toward it.
Confused? Do you sometimes find yourself confused about how to address a problem in your life? We may sometimes get lost in the complexities of a situation and miss the obvious that is right before us. Say to yourself, “What is before me right now?” Or ask yourself another clarifying question such as “Which choice might I regret when I come to the end of my life?” or “What is the sacred path in this situation?”
The Hatam Sofer, who lived in the early 19th century, adds another arresting image in connection with the verse. He draws on the Talmudic teaching that people should view themselves as if they were precisely half innocent and half guilty. If they perform one truly good deed, it tips the scales toward the good. If they perform a truly egregious deed, it tips the scales toward evil. Similarly, the world is suspended between the good and the evil. One good deed can shift the balance toward blessing, and one wrong action can shift the balance toward misfortune.
This teaching can wake us up, enabling us to ask what we want to do with the power we have over our own lives, and even over the world. What do we want to contribute to the world through our actions right now?
May it be a year of goodness and blessing for us and for all people.
This was previously posted at J Weekly https://jweekly.com/2024/08/29/the-torah-reminds-us-that-every-moment-of-our-lives-offers-new-possibilities/
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