Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The Torah assures us that spiritual growth is close and attainable. Through a striking parable, the Chofetz Chaim explains why sincere aspirations must be followed by practical action.
Turning Torah Inspiration Into Action
In this week’s Torah reading the Torah says (30:11-14) “Because the Mitzvah (commandment) which I command of you today is not concealed from you and is not distant from you. It is not in the heavens for you to say, ‘Who will ascend to the heavens for us to procure it on our behalf and let us know what it says and we will heed?’ Nor is it across the ocean for you to say, ‘Who will cross the ocean to procure it on our behalf and let us know what it says and we will heed?’ Because it is very close to you, it is in your mouth and heart to follow it.'” The Torah is hereby telling us (according to Rashi) that obtaining and integrating Torah into our lives is not something far from us. On the contrary, it is extremely close to us and well within reach. Why is it then, asks the Chofetz Chaim, that we find it so challenging to implement higher standards of Torah in our lives?
The Pauper Who Never Came
The Chofetz Chaim offers an insightful solution to this quandary with the following parable (Shem Olam, chapter 20): There was once a pauper who met an affluent individual in the street. The poor man turned to the fellow he encountered and said, “Perhaps I could find favor in your eyes and you would be willing to lend me ten thousand dollars? With this loan I will be able to invest in a new business venture, and perhaps God will bless me with success in improving my dire financial situation.” The wealthy man conceded to his request. However, he told him, “Right now I have to rush somewhere, but in a few hours I will be home. You are welcome to come to me then and I will extend you the loan.” A while later, the rich man made sure to be home at the designated time, and he waited patiently for the poor fellow to arrive. He waited, and waited, and waited… The poor man did not show up. The following day, again the pauper chanced upon the rich fellow and repeated his request, “Oh, if only you would be willing to lend me ten thousand dollars, it would be so reviving to me.” The rich man responded, “I already made up with you yesterday to come to my house to receive the funds. Why didn’t you come? I waited endlessly for your arrival. Alas, whatever happened, happened. Will you come today at the appointed time?” And the poor man responded affirmatively. Sure enough, the busy rich man made an effort to clear his schedule to meet the pauper, but once again he waited in vain. The following day, once again they encountered each other and the poor man repeated his request, “You know, if only you would lend me some money already, it would really be of great benefit to me.” This time, the rich man had it and he said, “I already stated my readiness to advance you the loan yesterday and the day prior. I waited for you to come, eager to help you out, why didn’t you come? It must be that you really are not so desperate for the funds after all. You talk as if it will make a big difference to you, but you must not truly mean it. The proof is that you are too lazy to take a few steps out of your way to come to my house.”
When Inspiration Fades
The Chofetz Chaim says that we are like the poor person mentioned above. Often, we get inspired and tell God, “If only you would help me out, I would become a changed person. I would be more committed to Torah, I would study Torah more diligently and I would conform my way of life to Torah values.” And God is ready for us, waiting with open arms, saying, “Please, I would love it! I can’t wait for you to come study My Torah and lead a life of Torah! All you need to do is make the time to come and study Torah, contemplate the ideas properly and actually start putting what you learn into practice. Once you do so, I will certainly send you encouragement and help you along.”
Take the First Step
The problem is that the inspiration fades away, we get back to our busy lives and forget all about our wonderful wishes. The next day we ask God in prayer again, “Please help me! Open my mind to Torah so I can be a better person!” and God says, “Sure, I was waiting for you already yesterday! All you have to do is come and do your part. Sit down to learn something and start putting the ideas into action.” Time and time again we get inspired and ask God to give us a boost, and God waits eagerly to assist us in the greatest fashion. If we are sincere about our desires, we must be willing to do something about them. All we have to do is invest a little effort on our part by taking some action, and God will be there to support us. If we don’t focus on making the time to learn and contemplate Torah ideas, they will certainly stay far out of our reach. Once we take the initiative, we will find that the Torah is truly much closer to our hearts than we ever imagined
By Rabbi Yitzchok Aryeh Strimber
