The pesukim are discussing the halacha of a meisis, who is a person who tries to persuade others to forget about Hashem and rather serve idols, G-d forbid.
Asks the Ohr haChaim haKadosh z"l: Why does the verse (8) have to specify where the meisis is coming from, be it "gods from close or gods from afar, from this end of the Earth to the other", as the verse says. What is this coming to teach us?
Says the Ohr haChaim: What is the trick of the meisis? Very simple: Just look at everybody else, whose entire success in life is seemingly a result of their own "hard work", be it physically or spiritually. Who needs Hashem, chas v'shalom?
And says Rebbi Moshe Shapira z"l: Wherever a person invests, that is indeed what he gets. If a person invests in This World (albeit in spiritual matters, like a "star" yeshiva or school, which may get him much kavod and honor from people), he will get This World, whereas if one invests in the Next World and in Hashem (for example, a yeshiva for those who are "struggling"), here they may laugh at him, but there he will be ahead of them all! (P.S. Serve Hashem in the way that works for you, with a private rebbi).
Story:
The Alter from Novardok z"l, Rebbi Yosef Yozel Horovitz, once sent a group of talmidim to open a yeshiva in a far-off city, and guaranteed them a specific generous monthly stipend. The boys showed up, found no one "waiting for them" in particular, and got to work in the local abandoned synagogue, restoring the light of Torah to the location, and taking in local boys to learn with them.
A short while later, a wealthy member of the community passed away, leaving over a lot of money but no inheritors and no will. The community got together and decided to use the money to create a fund for the new yeshiva, with every member receiving a significant monthly stipend. The Alter's talmidim received word, and saw that it was the exact amount that the Alter had promised. A rebbishe miesa! When Rebbi Isser Zalman Meltzer z"l said that Rebbi Yosef Yozel z"l was the Litvishe version of the Chasidishe rebbe, it was not an exaggeration!
Question:
Advice for a high-class Elul.
Answer:
Kol echad vi'Elul shelo, each person with their own private Elul, whatever works for them to bring them a happier and healthier connection with Hashem (with a private rebbi, of course).
And our personal advice: Zikui harabim (outreach)! Says the Alter from Kelm z"l: This time of year in particular is a time to be an ish haklal ("man of the nation"). And says Rebbi Moshe Shapira z"l: The highest-level combination of Torah with chesed (acts of kindness) is actually none other than kiruv rechokim (bringing back the not-yet-religious). It is said that Rebbi Moshe did not even like the term "kiruv", for in truth "kiruv" is nothing less than teaching Torah (in one way or another). And not only that, but says the Madreigas ha'Adam (Mizake es haRabim ch. 8): People like the "not-yet-religious" actually take priority over other outreach, for if you do not teach them, who will? And says the Alter z"l: Outreach, not for them, rather for yourself! (see Chovos haLevavos: Ahavas Hashem ch. 6, and also Ohr haChaim: Parshas Balak 24:6). It gives a person place to bring out his full potential, and build himself the biggest possible portion in the World to Come. (P.S. Serve Hashem in the way that works for you).
