This week’s parshah, Ki Teitzei, contains many, many laws – perhaps the most in the entire Torah.
Reb Noson once said, “The Mishnah states that HaShem wants to bring merit to Israel, and thus gave them many mitzvot.” He asks: You have a friend, and of course, you want him to have loads of good. But do you give him a light burden or a heavy burden? What’s with ALL the mitzvot? Maybe half would have been sufficient?
The answer is that with so many mitzvot, it is possible to ALWAYS do a mitzvah. That is, wherever we turn, there’s something good to do! A farmer, for example, can perform many mitzvot, like tithing or leaving sheaves for the poor. A wealthy person can give a lot of charity, while a poor person can only give a little. Prayer can always be offered, our declaration of faith can be strengthened, there is Shabbos and Festivals throughout the year, and Torah study of many levels is available to all abilities. There are acts of kindness, visiting the sick, recalling the evils of Amalak (Kamala), business and civil laws, avoiding stealing or dishonesty, etc.
Thus, a person always has a way to connect with HaShem, no matter where they are or what situation they find themselves in. There is always something good they can do.
What a fitting reminder as the year comes to an end, and we are about to stand in judgment for our very lives. We should pile on the mitzvot and do the best we can as we look forward to the upcoming year, filled with blessings – good health, success, emotional stability, and of course, spiritual growth.
May HaShem bless us all with the best of all years, Amen.
Have a great Shabbos.
