It is Close to You

In one of the two Torah readings this week, we read the verse: “And it [i.e., the observance of the Torah and its mitzvos] is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart to observe it.” On the surface, it is hard to say that Torah observance is “close,” i.e., easy. On the contrary, the opposite often seems true. We face challenges in our observance from within and without. External difficulties, such as earning a livelihood or conforming to our environment, and internal difficulties with our natural drives and desires make observance a trial. Certainly, the trial can be overcome, but it remains a trial.

That applies when we see Torah observance as a duty to fulfill. From this point, the Torah and its mitzvos do not relate to our essential identity. They are an added responsibility, dues that we have to pay. Therefore, they seem difficult. The difficulty depends on our spiritual and material standing, but as long as we do not see them as expressions of who we are, they will run against our basic tendencies, requiring us to remain firm in our Divine service. 

There is, however, another path: to see the world from G‑d’s perspective and the innate G‑dliness within our souls. G‑d sees the world as His home. In your own home, you make sure everything works well and serves its intended purpose. The same applies to G‑d’s home, our world, for all existence depends on His will. If He brought something into being, it is because it fits His purpose and will. This applies not only to the world’s entities, but to every event in time. He not only brought the world into being, but He maintains and controls it at every moment.

From G‑d’s perspective, everything exists to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the Jews’ observance of Torah and its mitzvos. From that view, the observance of the Torah should be easy, without challenges. The difficulties we experience prompt us to reach into our souls and tap spiritual energies that would otherwise remain hidden. Realizing that the challenges are intended to be overcome is the first step in overcoming them, and in showing that, in fact, observance is easy.

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time (NYC): Friday, 7:05 PM