Dvar Torah
By Rav Norman Meskin

According to the Talmud (Masechet Shabbat 31a), one of the questions that we are all asked when we appear before the Heavenly Tribunal (after 120) is, as follows: "Did you set aside time for learning Torah?"

Word has it that there is one very common excuse heard "up there" when the answer to the question is "No." Apparently, the most frequent response goes something like this: "I worked very hard all my life to provide for my family. I used to get up at the crack of dawn, daven, grab a bite to eat and then run to make the early train to the City. I worked 12-14 hours a day and wouldn't get home until
the kids were already in bed. I would spend a little quality time
with them and then have dinner with my wife. It was, by then, probably nine or ten and I was exhausted. If I were to open a Sefer at that time, I would maybe get through half of a Mishna before my eyes would close. WHAT'S THE GOOD OF LEARNING IF YOU CAN'T ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING?"

Despite the fact that this "heart-rending tale" does not cut it in the Heavenly Court, people continue to use this faulty rationalization to explain their failures. It should be clear that this excuse "does not fly" up there because the question is "Did you set aside time?" and not "How much did you learn?" or "How much time did you spend?" This justification is the PROBLEM! Setting aside time is the SOLUTION.

In a similar vein, many people are intimidated by the prospect of a complete personal "make over" that they believe is the essence of Teshuva (Repentance). And since they cannot contemplate the wholesale changes that they perceive are required, they, unfortunately, don't even begin the process.

This approach is as faulty as the approach to learning noted above. Teshuva is NOT an "All-or-Nothing" matter! Teshuva is a process that begins with the commitment to make a change – with the decision to bring one's life into accord with Torah values and Halacha. There is no requirement, either implicit or explicit, that this transformation take place over night! The only obligation is to commit to trying to make oneself better on a continuing basis – to make that one's life's work! Join the members of this elite club. Membership is free!

G'mar Chatima Tova!