A Glimpse of Inspiration

With the arrival of the month of Elul and the imminent approach of the Days of Awe, we frequently ponder how we can enhance and make the most of this significant period.

We realize that this is a time for introspection and internalization, and accepting upon ourselves resolutions to change our ways; but very often, we find ourselves in the same place; wondering, did I accomplish anything with this time if I don’t see any recognizable change?

In Parshas Re’eh, the Torah discusses the mitzva of Ma’aser Sheni. The owner is commanded to separate a tenth of his produce, and to either bring the actual fruit, or their value, to Yerushalayim and eat the produce in a state of purity. The Torah itself gives us the reason for this mitzvah: למען תלמד ליראה את ד' אלקיך כל הימים. “So that you will learn to fear Hashem, your G-d, all the days”.

How does this mitzva of enjoying our fruits in Yerushalayim teach us to fear Hashem? Tosfos in Bava Basra 21a explains: “after seeing the great holiness, and the Kohanim engaged in their service, one would aspire to fear heaven more, and learn more Torah”.

Tosfos goes on to explain that by bringing his produce up to Yerushalayim, and spending time there, he would see all the people involved in the intense service of Hashem, and this would have a tremendous impact on him; and he would go home inspired, invigorated and ready to serve Hashem better.

Now, the Torah isn’t asking all of us to pick up and move to Yerushalayim, but the periodic inspiration that we received there was enough to last us the entire year, until the next.

Hashem gives us opportunities of inspiration that transform and elevate us, that keep us going even beyond. The very fact that we go through this period every year, with the extra davening, and the focus on our Avodas Hashem, has tremendous value in and of itself. We can and should certainly use this time for resolutions and self-improvement, but there is no room for despair; know, that the process itself has value, and the inspiration of this time itself leaves an everlasting impression!

In parshas Shoftim, the Torah says “when you enter the land that Hashem has given you, and you will say, ‘I will set a king over myself, like all the nations around me; You shall surely set upon yourselves a king that Hashem will choose”

Rav Avigdor Miller zt”l asks, why is the mitzvah of establishing a king conditional on the ask? Why isn’t there an absolute mitzvah to ensure a king upon the Jewish People?

Rav Miller explains that originally, the Jewish People were at such a high spiritual level that they did not require a physical king. The presence of Hashem as our King, guiding and leading us, was so evident that a human king was deemed unnecessary. However, if we descend from this level and require a more earthly way of life, the necessity for a visible human king arises.

But again, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are those special days that we can aspire to truly feel our King.

And this special inspiration, this ‘glimpse of the higher levels’ can have a tremendous impact upon us, making a difference for the entire year!

May we merit to use this gift period to elevate ourselves, and get one step closer on our journey closer to Hashem!

May we all be inscribed for a happy and healthy new year!