Rabbi Shalom Rosner
Parshas Nitzavim deals with the mitzva of Teshuva. The Ramban interprets the following pasuk as the source for the mitzva of Teshuva: For this commandment which I command you this day, is not concealed from you, nor is it far away. (Devarim 30:11). This pasuk is referring to a mitzva that is not out of reach. We are able to do teshuva and return to the correct path. This is consistent with the previous pasuk, which uses the term “ki tashuv”- when you return!
Often we think of teshuva as being performed by a person who committed a serious transgression. In fact, this is something that is to be contemplated by each and every individual. Introspection is necessary in order to constantly improve ourselves and to become better human beings. A story is told of Rav Saadia Gaon who informed his student of the following experience: Rav Saadia Gaon was traveling and stayed at an inn overnight. In those days, there was no internet or Rebbe cards and although Rav Saadia’s reputation preceded him, not everyone was familiar with how he looked.
When Rav Saadia arrived at the Inn, he was treated well by the owner of the Inn, given a comfortable room and a tasty meal. When he was checking out, another guest recognized Rav Saadia and greeted him with the utmost respect. Upon witnessing this, the owner of the Inn was mortified and apologized. He told Rav Saadia ‘If I had known who you are, I would have treated you better.’ Rav Saadia was puzzled. He informed the Innkeeper that the service he received was impeccable and that nothing was lacking. The Innkeeper replied: ‘Yes, but had I known that you are Rav Saadia Gaon, I would have given you super treatment!’
Rav Saadia explained that he learned an important lesson from the innkeeper. Rav Saadia told his student: “Every single day I have a deeper appreciation of HaKadosh Baruch Hu; therefore, every single day of my life I should spend doing teshuva because yesterday I didn’t truly appreciate God’s greatness.” In other words, something was lacking in my avodas Hashem yesterday, given what I know today.
We cannot be content with our level of spirituality. There is always room for improvement. Life is like climbing up a downward escalator. If we are not constantly climbing, we will descend! If Rav Saadia Gaon felt he could get closer to Hashem each day, then we have plenty of room to improve our relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu as well.
As we reflect upon our challenges and accomplishments over the past year, we should also carefully consider concrete new goals so that we can further enhance our limud torah, our tefilla and our acts of chesed. Determine what new shiur we plan to attend, or new sefer we intend to learn. How we will make an effort to catch minyan more often, or undertake to better understand the tefilla. Consider ways of assisting those less fortunate than us by both by volunteering our time and allocating our ma’aser money effectively.
As we are told in the parsha – it is up to us to engage in the act of teshuva. “B’ficha ubilvavcha laasoto” (it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it) Devarim 30:14.
May we be successful in identifying the areas in which we can improve, so that we can achieve teshuva shlema!
