In a bit of a departure, today’s #TuesdayTorahTutorsTidbit is not real Torah, from real TorahTutors sessions, but it is real Torah, about TorahTutors sessions – and about Yom Kippur, about the new year, and about looking both backward and forward.
In Parshat Nitzavim, which was read a few weeks ago, Moshe encourages the Jewish people that “This commandment…is not too much for you, and it is not too distant. It is not in the heavens, that you would say, Who will go up to the heavens for us and get it for us? … Rather, the matter is very close to you, in your mouth and in your hearts to do it” (Devarim 30:11-14).
Which thing is it that Moshe insists is attainable, for each and every Jew?
In light of the theme of Yom Kippur and of our mission at TorahTutors.org, we’d like to share two possible answers:
One is that these verses refer to teshuva, repentance. Many tend to think of Yom Kippur as a scary, overwhelming time, for it is the day that calls most intensely for introspection and repair – of our relationships with ourselves, with God, and with others. That may sound difficult, but Moshe insists it is not beyond our capacity. Whether on Yom Kippur or anytime, teshuva may be a challenge, but it is doable.
A second answer is that Moshe is talking about the Torah itself – about performance of its commandments overall, and perhaps about its study. Torah study may also seem overwhelming: some may feel they lack the time, or the skills, or the basic knowledge. But at TorahTutors, we know there is a path to Torah study available to each and every one of us – a path that does not require ascending mountains or crossing oceans, but that begins right in each person’s heart and in the mouth that declares “I’m going to do this.”
This Yom Kippur, we want to wish a gmar chatima tova to all our teachers, students, and friends.
And we hope you’ll make us a part of your plans for growth in the new year. You can do it, and we’d love to help.
With gratitude to @sefaria for the image.
