For this commandment which I command you this day, is not concealed from you, it is not far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us and fetch it for us, to tell it to us, so that we can fulfill it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us and fetch it for us, to tell it to us, so that we can fulfill it?” Rather, this thing is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can fulfill it (Devorim 30:11-14).
What is this “commandment” to which Moshe refers? Some of the commentaries explain that this is a reference to the Torah in its entirety. Moshe is telling the people, “although there are many mitzvos and expectations – do not get overwhelmed. Yes, you have many obligations and responsibilities, but you will be able to succeed.” Others, explains that the “mitzvah/commandment” refers to the mitzvah of Teshuva (repentance and return). Although we may stray far from God, the ability and opportunity to return and rekindle the relationship is always available to us.
Whatever the precise definition may be – the message is the same. Creating personal holiness, cultivating a spiritual identity, cementing a passionate relationship with God may seem difficult but all of our spiritual aspirations are within reach.
Rebbe Nachman of Breslov advances an alternate insight. Moshe says to the Jewish people:
Lo Ba’Shamayim Hi, It is not in the heavens – God does not ask you to live in the heavens. God does not expect us to achieve angelic perfection, He does not ask us to stop being human and live in the celestial sphere.
What does God ask of us?
Ki Karov Eylecha HaDavar, this thing is very close to you – Just reach a bit beyond yourself. Hashem just wants us to grow. It doesn’t have to be in a dramatic fashion, just a little bit each and every day. When Yaakov fled from home to escape the wrath of Esav he was given a magnificent vision. He saw a ladder with its base on the earth, yet its top extended into the heavens. What was the meaning of this vision? Yaakov was to be the father of the 12 tribes, the father of Bnai Yisroel and God was communicating to him the Divine expectations of Yaakov’s offspring. Life is a ladder – all I ask is that you try to advance up the rungs. You need not climb two at a time; you need not ascend at a quick pace, just climb. Just take the opportunities that are within reach (karov, close) and find a way to move yourself and your life forward.
This was one of the last messages Moshe gave to our ancestors. Moshe who taught us so much, provided us with the Divine framework for successful living, concluded his tenure of leadership with a simple message. God doesn’t expect perfection, God doesn’t need us to be angels, He just wants us to grow. All Hashem desires is for us to climb the ladder of personal development and self-actualization.
As we enter into the Yomim Noraim we must feel confident and excited for the year ahead. There is much we must accomplish and much we must rectify. There are things which work well, things which need repair and things which must be fundamentally changed. But we must remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. People aren’t built in a day. To fully actualize our potential takes years and for some an entire life-time. Yet, all God asks of us is just a little growth every day. All our Father desires is for me to try to climb up another rung. And if I fall, all He asks is for me to find the courage to once again begin the ascent. Ki Karov Eylecha HaDavar, it is very close to us – happiness, fulfillment and self-actualization are all closer then we think. All we need to do is reach a bit beyond ourselves.
I want to take this opportunity to wish each of you kesiva v’chasima tova, may each us together with our families and our nation be inscribed for year of growth, holiness, health, happiness and most importantly – redemption.
