_ In one of this week's parshiot (it
is a double parsha), Nitzavim, it is explained that the Torah is accessible--it
is not hidden, it is not distant, it is not in heaven, and it is not across the
sea. Rather it is very near to each one of us, "in your mouth and your
heart--to perform it." Sforno explains that we do not need a prophet
("in heaven") nor do we need to seek out the foremost scholars (who
might be "across the sea.") Ibn Ezra specifies that the heart is
uppermost in the performance of mitzvot; nevertheless, he explains that some
mitzvot begin with our mouths (speaking) which has a positive effect on our
hearts, and some begin with actions, which have a positive effect on our
speaking.
This past week at Yeshiva Atlanta I've been honored to witness three inspirational mitzvot. Rabbi Lavi Greenspan, a Rabbi and a lawyer who also recently completed his masters in social work, came to school to speak to all of us about how he achieved so many things...all while blind. He thanks Hashem daily for what he does have, believes that Hashem only gives us challenges we can handle, and urged us to remember him when we started to get down about our own challenges. With an amazing sense of humor, Rabbi Greenspan used his words to inspire our hearts.
The same day two tenth grade boys literally ran to my office to let me know that the snack machine had not been locked and was therefore susceptible to theft. Not only had they resisted this temptation, but they wanted to make certain that nobody else would face this stumbling block. Their actions inspired their speech, because of their hearts.
Finally, a parent emailed to say that, thank G-d, things were going well for her family financially, and they would in fact be able to pay more than anticipated. Especially during these difficult financial times, it would be so easy simply to remain silent. Yet this parent chose to go above and beyond the call of duty, performing yet another inspirational mitzvah.
It is my sincere hope that all of us are inspired by the daily mitzvot around us, and that we see just how accessible and how near Hashem is in our own lives.
This past week at Yeshiva Atlanta I've been honored to witness three inspirational mitzvot. Rabbi Lavi Greenspan, a Rabbi and a lawyer who also recently completed his masters in social work, came to school to speak to all of us about how he achieved so many things...all while blind. He thanks Hashem daily for what he does have, believes that Hashem only gives us challenges we can handle, and urged us to remember him when we started to get down about our own challenges. With an amazing sense of humor, Rabbi Greenspan used his words to inspire our hearts.
The same day two tenth grade boys literally ran to my office to let me know that the snack machine had not been locked and was therefore susceptible to theft. Not only had they resisted this temptation, but they wanted to make certain that nobody else would face this stumbling block. Their actions inspired their speech, because of their hearts.
Finally, a parent emailed to say that, thank G-d, things were going well for her family financially, and they would in fact be able to pay more than anticipated. Especially during these difficult financial times, it would be so easy simply to remain silent. Yet this parent chose to go above and beyond the call of duty, performing yet another inspirational mitzvah.
It is my sincere hope that all of us are inspired by the daily mitzvot around us, and that we see just how accessible and how near Hashem is in our own lives.
