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In this week’s double-parsha, Nitzavim-Vayeilech, Moshe encourages the people never to despair of being able to fulfill the Torah, as it says, “Surely, this Mitzvah which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach. It is not in the heavens, that you should say, ‘Who among us can go up to the heavens and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who among us can cross to the other side of the sea and get it for us and impart it to us, that we may observe it?’ No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it” (Devarim 30: 11-13). So, where is the Torah to be found? Within us! What does this mean?
According to the Talmud, “Rava said: ‘It is not in heaven’ means that the Torah is not to be found in someone who raises his mind over it, like the heavens. Meaning, he thinks his mind is above the Torah, and he does not need a teacher. Nor is it to be found in someone who expands his mind over it, like the sea. Meaning, he thinks he knows everything there is to know about the topic he has learned” (B. Talmud, Eruvin 55a). Thus, in order to find the Torah that is inside of us, when must put aside all airs, all ego, all thoughts of grandeur and engage the process of learning and living Torah from a place of authenticity and a desire to grow. Indeed, the Torah is found within the soul of the genuine, the authentic and the humble. Only when we know our ourselves can we begin the journey of obtaining the Torah we seek.
This Shabbat, let us consider that knowing ourselves is the first step on our journey towards having a real and meaningful relationship with God and His Torah. The Torah is not found in those who act a certain way in order to appear righteous. The Torah is not found in “know-it-alls” and show-offs. The Torah is found within the heart of the Jew who knows himself. Let us take this Shabbat to get to know ourselves, so that we may all come know the Torah within.
Shabbat Shalom!
-Rabbi Dan
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