We are currently in the special ten day period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The verse in Isaiah says, “Seek out G-d when He is in close proximity.” Our Sages teach us that this refers to the closeness that G-d has with us during these ten days of repentance.
The verse is actually surprising for we would think just the opposite should be true. During these days of judgment when G-d is in the mode of serious judgment, He should be more removed and distant from us. Yet, our Sages reveal that specifically in these days of judgment G-d is extra close to us, eagerly waiting for us to reconnect to Him through repentance and our attentiveness to Mitzvah observance.
G-d in His infinite care and love towards us wishes to inscribe and stamp each of us for a year of life. He therefore creates an atmosphere during these days where it easier for us to connect with Him.
Perhaps, the spiritual energy that we acquired on Rosh Hashana through the Shofar sounds and the recital of our prayers uplifts us and then the bonus of G-d being in close proximity provides us with the strength and fortitude to proceed further.
G-d sets the tone for every one of us to take the initiative to utilize these special days effectively.
Recently, as I was presenting a class on the opportunities and wondrous powers of repentance to the residents at our local Jewish Home, an astute resident made the following observation: “It is quite difficult for us to sin in this place. After all, we can only eat Kosher, we have Shabbat / holidays and services, and we are limited in what we can do.”
The truth is, this lady made a fantastic point which gives us an insight into how we can all succeed. It is by being mindful to plan and set up one’s environment so that it is difficult to sin.
With consciousness, forethought and strategy many observances can be kept without much effort. It may only entail glancing to check if a food item has a Kosher symbol, or setting aside a specific time during the day to pray. We might commit to greet people with a smile and be conscious of the dignity of others by not speaking poorly of them. Every little bit of effort can produce positive spiritual energy.
This week is called Shabbos Shuvah – Shabbos to return to our roots. The Talmud states, “One who prepares before Shabbos will eat on Shabbos. One who doesn’t prepare – what is he going to eat?”
Aside from the simple meaning, that in order to enjoy meals on Shabbos, it requires one to prepare before the onset of Shabbos, and if one did not prepare before Shabbos – the prohibition to cook and bake on Shabbos will limited what one will have to eat on Shabbos. The Talmud is also using this analogy to motivate us to be mindful to plan for our future and the downside of being stagnant.
Shabbos is G-d’s innovation and gift to us so that we don’t get caught up in life without stepping back and appreciating it. Shabbos and its restrictions enable us to step back and recognize that all is caused and controlled by our Creator.
Simply walking through one’s home planning which lights should remain on (or set on a timer) during Shabbos so that they not be engaged on Shabbos, is an almost effortless exercise, but infuses the home with the special sanctity of Shabbos!
Many have tried this approach and have seen that Shabbos began to take on a new meaning and dimension in their lives.
On the second day of Rosh Hashana we read the Torah portion that describes the great episode where Avraham was willing to offer his son Yitzchok as a sacrifice. The impact of this great act of devotion is felt today.
After this awesome heightened spiritual experience, Avraham returned to the two lads who were waiting for him in the distance and the Torah states, “They rose up and traveled together with Avraham.” Rabbi Mordechai Fine quoted the commentator Panim Yafos who explains that the Torah is telling us that the two simple lads, although they were unaware of the ultimate experience that Avraham had just gone through, were moved and elevated at the sight of Avraham. The sight of the spiritual aura accompanying Avraham affected them positively and they were able to rise up and connect to a level that enabled them to travel together with Avraham.
Says the Panim Yafos, every Jew when he performs Mitzvos, studies Torah or conducts himself in a G-d fearing way both ethically and morally, whether in public or in private, creates an elevated aura which others can sense and they too can become elevated and inspired by the spiritual energy that he radiates and conveys!
