As we prepare for the Days of Awe, the task before us is not insignificant. Nor is it easy. Yet, we are capable. And, as this week’s Torah portion tells us, we have the tools to face this. This is not beyond our reach.
At this time of year, Jews across the world reflect and ask: “Who am I? How did I get here? Where am I going?” Similarly, at BaMidbar students will wrestle with these questions every day. The road and the future stretch before us, and in these days of intense self-reflection, self-assessment, and self discovery, we take the time to consider our actions.
Sometimes, the answers and the journey forward seem impossible. The path can be choked with anxiety, self-doubt, and self-defeating behavior. The Torah reminds us though, that “this is very close to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you can do it (Deuteronomy 30:14).” La’ahsoto – you can do it. It is from within that we each draw out our answers. It is from within that we find our strengths to guide our steps in making those answers reality. This lesson, perhaps more than any other, is what we hope to impart at BaMidbar.
The task before us is not insignificant, nor is it easy. Despite this, we are capable. From all of us here BaMidbar, we are wishing you the opportunity to internalize the Torah’s words, “it is not hidden from you, nor is it beyond your reach (Deuteronomy 30:11)” in this sweet New Year.