The concept of the Zodiac plays an important role In Torah Judaism. For example, the month of Nissan is Aries, which is the sheep and we know the role of the sheep in the Korban Pesach experience. The month of Sivan is represented by twins, which alludes to the idea that we got the Torah in a pair of two tablets, as well as the written and oral sections.
A Time of Add Mitzvos to Tip the Scales in Our Favor
When it comes to Tishrei, the zodiac is libra, which are scales. There are scales in the Heavens on which our Mitzvos and sins are measured. Those in the know spend these days adding Mitzvos and often think that the quantity or the “nuclear-level” Mitzvos are what’s needed to tip the scales in our favor.
However, it is not the stacking of grandiose Mitzvos that will seal us for a year of life; rather, it is the small, seemingly insignificant Mitzvos. What impresses Hashem all year round (Shemos Rabba 2.3; 2.2) and especially during the Aseres Yemei Teshuvah is how we invest in actions that can be overlooked by the masses and how we are sensitive to the feelings of others.
Catapulted to Greatness Via Minor Actions During Mundane Activities
The Midrash writes that the great Torah Sage and the great Jewish king, Moshe Rabbeinu and Dovid Hamelech, were catapulted to greatness in this world through minor actions stemming from mundane activities.
We know Moshe was a shepherd and once a sheep of his escaped. Moshe followed the sheep and caught it drinking next to a river. Moshe could’ve just moved on with the rest of the flock, but the wellbeing of a sheep - which he personally carried back - was of paramount importance to him. At that moment, he noticed the miraculous sight of a thorn bush ablaze without being consumed and as he approached to investigate, Hashem spoke with him and sent him on a mission to free the Jews from Egyptian slavery. Hashem chose Moshe for this mission, telling him: “Since you have such compassion for even a scrawny sheep, you’re worthy to become the Jewish leader.”
King David was Also a Considerate Shepherd
The Midrash relates a similar incident about King David who was a considerate shepherd and made sure that each animal was well taken care of. He never allowed the strong sheep to push aside weaker ones in order to grab the tender grass for themselves. He helped the small, weak sheep get the softest grass. Then, he let out the old sheep to graze on stalks that were less soft. Finally, he let out the strong sheep that were able to chew on the tough sticks.
Hashem said, “A faithful shepherd like you will certainly be a good shepherd for my nation, Bnai Yisrael!”. Therefore, it is the small actions that we take for granted that can tilt - or reverse - our judgment toward a favorable outcome. As I am going to show you, great people involve themselves with small things and it is the small deeds that make them great.
Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, ZT”L, the founder of the Mussar movement, once fainted at the Pesach Seder. When he came to, someone asked him what happened; he replied, “Elul is coming”. He had to prepare for the days of judgment six months beforehand mentally and spiritually! Six months later at the Yom Kippur meal, the seudas hamafsekes, as he was preparing to go to Kol Nidre, he busied himself with writing a letter of approval for a bachur (student) from Kovno, so that the bachur could go into the holiday with a peace of mind. Rabbi Salanter could have easily taken care of this matter after Yom Kippur, but calming the worries of another Jew superseded his preparations for the holiest day of the year.
Rav Aharon Kotler Insisted on Walking the Man to His Destination
Even more recently, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Telz yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, ZT”L, bought flowers on Erev Yom Kippur to present to his wife in honor of their upcoming anniversary. Similarly, Rav Aharon Kotler, ZT”L, a man who wouldn't waste a second and utilized every moment to learn Torah, was once asked for directions, but he insisted on walking the man to his destination.
When his students asked why the Rabbi did not just simply give directions, the Rabbi explained it was because he noticed the man had a stutter, so he did not want to take a chance that the man might not fully understand the directions and would have to come to ask someone else for directions, putting himself in an uncomfortable situation where he would have to stutter again.
Don’t Lose the Forest for the Trees
Practically speaking, let us offer two pieces of advice, one short-term and one long-term. In the short term, as we get ready for Yom Kippur, let us not “lose the forest for the trees”. As we do Teshuva and worry about our fate, let us remember to be polite, friendly, and greet others more graciously. It is the little things that are not so little. In the long term, let us try to take on small kabbalos (resolutions) such as taking upon ourselves a few minutes a day not to speak Lashon Hara, to try starting Shabbos a bit earlier, making a bracha a bit slower and with better Kavana (concentration) and take sincere steps to a new and improved us. Once Hashem sees us going towards the proper path, we will find ourselves in a better position to receive – or be switched to - a favorable gzar din (decree). May we walk into a year of blessing and prosperity and Be’ezras Hashem, reach our full potential!
Reprinted from the Yom Kippur 5784 email of Torah Sweets.
