Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Rabbi, you always talk about each individual doing his part in bringing the Final Redemption (the geulah). This sounds like such a massive, world-changing goal — something possible either for the entire nation collectively or exclusive to righteous people. Is there really anything a simple person like me can do that will have such a global impact? Furthermore, if the great spiritual giants of previous generations didn’t manage to do it, what do you expect from little me?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Little People, Giant Shoulders
Yes! Every single person can literally change the course of history! This is true for many reasons.
First of all, it is important to realize that nothing done throughout the previous generations was in vain. Every single prayer and mitzvah brings us one step closer to the coming of Mashiach (the messiah), and it is only through the collective effort of all Jews of all generations that we will merit the Final Redemption. Like the proverbial dwarf riding on the shoulders of giants, we may be the ones who give that final bang, breaking through the last remaining barriers, the culmination of the work of all generations.
We’re All in the Same Boat
Another important fact to keep in mind is that the Jewish nation is not just a bunch of individuals, with each person fending for himself. Rather, the kabbalists write that we are one cohesive unit, with all Jewish souls interconnected, and every person’s actions affect all of us.
The story is told of a captain of a boat, who heard strange noises coming from a cabin and went to investigate, where he found a man drilling a hole in the floor. “What are you doing?!” the captain screamed. “This is my cabin,” responded the man. “What difference does it make to you?” “But you’re causing the boat to take on water,” retorted the captain. “If you drill a hole in your cabin, the whole boat will sink!”
This story may sound amusing, but it is in fact a true illustration of the intimate connection that exists between each member of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation). Since we are all interconnected, one Jew’s actions have a direct effect on everyone else, and can literally “rock the boat.” One person’s sins pull down the whole nation, and one person’s mitzvot lift the entire nation to higher levels, making them deserving of great blessing.
In addition, as one unit, we should not just be thinking about ourselves. One person’s suffering should be everyone’s concern, and one person’s happiness should cause all to rejoice. And the more we connect with each other, the greater level our nation can reach, and the more each mitzvah performed by an individual will elevate the entire nation.
As we work on improving our characters, we build a nation that is worthy of the geulah. Patience, humility, generosity, and kindness are just some examples of what we can each work on as individuals.
The Power of One Mitzvah
One final point: We must appreciate the great power that is contained in every mitzvah. When one does a mitzvah here on earth, to the human eye it may seem as if nothing significant has taken place. That is true only in the physical realm. If one would be given an opportunity to take a glimpse at what is transpiring at that moment in the higher spheres, he would observe the powerful effect that our actions have in Heaven. Every mitzvah, every word of Torah studied, causes an overwhelming reaction in Heaven, bringing the ultimate Redemption one giant step closer.
In short: Every small step that one takes in becoming a better person has a powerful impact in Heaven, bringing the world one giant step closer to the Final Redemption.
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