As we approach the Yamim Noraim, this sacred and introspective time of year, we are called to engage in teshuvah, in honest self-reflection, and cheshbon hanefesh, a spiritual accounting of where we truly stand.
Over fifty years ago, I heard an idea from one of my Rabbeim, Rav Besdin zt”l, that has carried me ever since.
When we want to measure anything in life, we need a frame of reference. We can’t describe something as “big” or “small” without comparing it to something else. A dog may seem large next to a mouse, but small beside an elephant. Without a point of comparison, any measurement is meaningless.
The same is true when we attempt to measure ourselves. If we’re making a sincere spiritual assessment, we must ask: compared to what, against whom or by what standard am I measuring?
Three times a day we recite a Pasuk in Aleinu, at the close of the first paragraph: “You shall know today and take it to heart that Hashem is the G-d in the Heavens above and on the earth below; there is none else.”
It’s a curious Pasuk. Why does the Torah need to tell us that heaven is above and earth is below? Even a young child can point up and say, “that’s heaven” and down and say, “that’s earth.” Why the seemingly unnecessary detail?
Rav Besdin zt”l explained that the Torah is teaching us how to assess ourselves and how to find the appropriate frame of reference.
If you're measuring yourself in matters of ruchniyus, spiritual growth, look upwards. Look to a standard that is currently above where you are in spirituality. Let that aspiration inspire you, stretch you, push you higher. That is the meaning of Shamayim Mima’al, heaven above. Look up when measuring your spiritual progress.
But when it comes to gashmiyus, to material or physical matters—whether it’s parnassah, comfort or possessions—the Torah advises us to look downward: aretz mita’chas, the earth below. Look at that which is below you and recognize how much you have. There is always someone with less, and when we look in that direction, we cultivate gratitude, humility, and contentment.
This, Rav Besdin taught, is how to approach the Yamim Noraim. When it comes to spiritual growth, look up, and yet when it comes to material circumstances, look down. With this clarity, we can make a meaningful cheshbon hanefesh, self-appraisal, and set genuine goals for growth.
