You Can Do It!

A few days ago I was privileged to listen to a short d'var Torah by a local Chabad rabbi. He cited an interesting comment from one of our sources. When our people stood at Sinai to receive the Torah, we already knew what Hashem expected of us. We knew about kashrut, tefilin, all of that. When G-d gave us the written Torah we also received that ability to do it. We gained the strength, the wisdom, the power to do the will of Hashem. That was a most enlightening thought for me.

Many times it see it seems that we will never be able to "do it all." After all there are 613 mitzvot, each with numerous details. We need to apply them to the unique life situations that we each face individually. For example the prospect of "keeping kosher" can be daunting: two sets of dishes (at least!), two sets of utensils, pots and pans. Then we must look for a reliable hechsher (kosher symbol). And that is just the beginning! For even the most courageous among us learning how to perform all the requirements of living as a Jew can threaten to overwhelm us. I have met some people who just give up. "It's just too much. Too difficult to do it all."

I have a few suggestions for anyone who might be frightened by the sheer size of the commitment. The task may be challenging, but it can be done.

1. Don't try to eat the cheesecake in one bite.

Think of the most observant people you have ever met. Do you think that they arrived at that level of observance in one step? Didn't happen that way. They very likely began learning in cheder or religious school. They learned more as they grew and practiced. It seems to come to them so easily because they have had years of learning and practice. If you are just beginning your Jewish journey, realize that you have years of learning and discovery ahead of you. You wouldn't try to eat an entire cheesecake in one bite, would you? Slow down. Take it one step at a time and you will make steady progress.

2. Keep Calm and learn Torah.

Relax. Don't let yourself get stressed out. Yiddishkeit can be enjoyable if you simply approach life with a positive attitude. Spend regular time learning Torah. Get to know your local rabbi and consult him often. Practice, practice again and then practice some more. Mitzvot become a part of you when you perform them regularly. Enjoy life. We celebrate holidays not endure them. When you (or your significant other) light candles this Yom Tov and Shabbos, take a few minutes just to ponder the beauty of the day. Absorb the holiness of our sacred times. Your journey will become a thing of joyful anticipation. And you might just find yourself a lot less stressed!

3. Remember: You Are Not Alone

Torah is all about building relationships. Hashem didn't give us the Torah and then abandon us to the whims of our own conscience. G-d is with us to strengthen and encourage us. Make sure you daven (pray) daily. If at all possible join a minyan. Praying with a community is a wonderful source of strength and encouragement. You will very likely find someone who has been through the same struggles as you and has succeeded. Of course include your family and loved ones in your life and learning. Families that build bonds around a Torah lifestyle find that their relationships grow stronger and closer than ever.

You have the power and ability to become what Hashem desires that you become. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Take life one step at a time. Travel with your loved ones and your Jewish community around you. I am confident that you will make progress toward your goal and enjoy doing it.

To you and yours, a Joyous Shavuot.

Related links:

A Guide to Jewish Observance
Why Do Mitzvot?