CHOOSE TO SHINE

Our entire world is in flux. Global pandemics come only once in a century. This affects every community and every country. Civil unrest exacerbates the chaos. 

Life remains abnormal. What does it all mean? How does it affect us personally? Are we just waiting for a return to normal? Perhaps something else is happening on a grander scale.

I cannot know Hashem’s master plan, but I see a tremendous resurgence of people actively awaiting the final redemption. Whether or not you feel that in your own heart, consider at least the possibility that it can happen at any moment. Indeed, Maimonides lists belief in the Messiah among his Thirteen Articles of Faith, which we recite daily. The twelfth principle is, “I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Moshiach, and even though he may tarry, regardless I will still wait each day, hoping that he will come.” If one does not believe in this with his entire heart, actively waiting, he denies the Torah and Moshe Rabbeinu. Those are strong words.

So, let’s imagine that given the worldwide tsunami of events in close succession, these might actually be birth pangs of the final redemption. Consider that the very last countdown has begun. What are you doing about it? In Ethics of the Fathers we are taught, “Rabbi Eliezer says, ‘…Repent one day before your death.’ His disciples asked, ‘Does a man know which day he will die?’ He replied, ‘So repent today, for perhaps tomorrow he will die; all his days are passed in a state of repentance.’”  That is admittedly a high bar.  But what if we were given inside information about the actual date? One so inclined might be able to push off that reckoning until the actual day before the end, then slide in with perfect repentance at the last minute. (Do not try this at home, kids.)  

Isn’t it at least possible that we are now in the last round? Wouldn’t we all want to get in on that? It’s like the biggest stock tip ever, but we don’t know precisely on which day it will happen. Hedge your bets, imagine this is the last chance to get right with Hashem, and get on board.  It may or may not be today, but we all know deep within our hearts and souls that it will be very, very soon. If we miss this boat, there will never be another one.

That said, do not try to change your entire life overnight. Find at least that one thing for which you were put here on this earth to remedy. We all know it if we are being honest with ourselves. Different people have different challenges, but everyone has at least that one particular transgression that is their own personal pitfall. You know the one – it is your biggest addiction, your greatest habit, the one you can not imagine ever conquering. I put it to you that you may never have a more compelling time or place than this moment right now to finally tackle the sin that comes to mind as you read these words. 

At least give it some serious thought. Is it really worth it, or has habit taken over your life? You might feel out of sorts if you refrain from indulging in it. Yet it is entirely possible to uproot it from your life. The High Holy Days present the best opportunity for self-evaluation and repentance. You will come away feeling so clean, so close to Hashem. It will be as if you are saying, “Look at what I sacrificed for You. I did not have to wait until real korbanos are restored to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. I brought one right here and now, from myself. I slew my most difficult vice for You.” How precious do you think that would be? 

Don’t worry that you may stumble.  Resolve to never do it again and feel genuine sorrow and embarrassment that you ever allowed it to control your life. At least work to fix it just for today, a single day. Worry about tomorrow when it arrives. You may not have to battle that challenge for much longer.