Choose Life

Moadim Lesimcha-

We ended פרשת נצבים last week, where we were offered a choice between life and death, and the blessing and the curse. We were told by Moshe Rabbeinu, “ובחרת בחיים” that we are to choose life.

We are to understand this offer in the context of the Ten Days of Repentance, that we are now in. The Rabbis tell us that there are certain times of the year, where Hashem is reaching out to us, and feels close. We are to take advantage of this closeness by sincerely doing Teshuva.

There is a Midrash on שיר השירים, that expresses this idea. If we make a small opening the size of a needle, to begin our ascent to holiness, this small opening will become like a great hall.

It is that first step that is so difficult to make. However, once it is done, Hashem will set things in motion, to make the journey that much easier.