Rosh Hashana – Misyatzeiv Al Derech Tov
By this time, the days of Elul, the awakening for teshuva, are behind us. With trepidation, we approach our judgment, and like sheep, we will pass under the scrutiny of the Beis Din Shel Maala, all while knowing that we are guilty. Hanging in the balance are our lives, the lives of our family members, our friends, and the future of the entire Klal Yisroel. We are living in scary, scary times, and the danger is beyond fathomable. The situation here in America, all over the world, and especially in Eretz Yisroel is very not simple and it’s all “up for grabs.”
On a personal level, many people are desperate for yeshuos in the areas of parnassah, shidduchim, health, having children, shalom bayis, and the list goes on—and everything is a question mark.
Because you were alive in 5774 means nothing about 5775. Because you had a job in 5774 means nothing about 5775. Because we had Eretz Yisroel in 5774 means nothing about 5775. There are no chazakos on anything, and we know we are guilty!
If you are feeling scared, then you are probably beginning to understand the magnitude of what’s happening.
But I know what you are thinking: “What should I do now?! My efforts to do teshuvah were embarrassing, and there was a lot to do teshuvah for?! I AM TOAST!!”
To such a feeling I say, “No! There is a lot that can still be done.”
Chazal tells us that yirah (fear) can either be debilitating or energizing. It can make a person so uncomfortable that all they want to do is ignore it and pretend like everything is okay, or it can force a person to respond with power, force, and precision.
Rabbeinu Yona explains that it is obvious and understood by Hashem that a person can’t change their entire life in a moment, and that it will take many years of consistent small increments of growth to become an adam hashaleim – a complete person. That being the case, Rabbeinu Yona explains that the main obligation of teshuvah is to be misyatzev al derech tov – to put ourselves on that path—and if we do, we will be zoche badin – merit a good judgment.
May we all be zoche to utilize the incredible awesomeness of the day, and in a moment of inner truth, find a small area where we need to improve, create a realistic and achievable goal, commit to keeping to the plan, and Im yirtza Hashemhave a gut gebenched yur!!
Ksiva V’chasima Tova!
Rabbi Anton
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