As we set out to do cheshbon nefesh and teshuvoh we must know it is possible. Although the obligation to do teshuvoh lies deep, deep down, it is still within reach.
HaKodosh Boruch Hu is not severely critical of his creatures. He sustains us. He is the One Who gives us the strength and the tools to study His Torah and keep His mitzvas. And His demands are in accordance with the strength and possibilities He gives us. Not beyond that.
Taking stock of our deeds and doing teshuvoh for our sins lies in our hands. And therefore it is demanded of us.
The Torah is filled with verses to this effect: "For this mandate that I am commanding you today is not beyond you and not far away. It is not in Heaven...and it is not across the sea...but something very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to carry it out" (Devorim 30:14).
This applies to all of the mitzvas and all of the Torah. It is not beyond you and not far away. "If it were in Heaven you would have to go up after it" (Eruvin 55a).
This is true of the entire Torah. However there is a special emphasis on "this mandate." What is it?
Says the Ramban: This is a continuation of the beginning of the passage. "And you shall return to Hashem Elokecho and heed His voice" (30:2). The mitzvah of teshuvoh.
According to many Rishonim teshuvoh is a positive Torah commandment throughout the year, not just a piece of good advice. And on this matter the Torah says, Do not give up because of the weight of the task at hand, the immensity of the distance. It is not in Heaven. If it were in Heaven you would indeed have to go up to draw near to Hashem. But HaKodosh Boruch Hu, in His compassion, shortened the distance and this mitzvah is very close at hand.
What is demanded of us to counteract the impurity of our sins? A heavy burden? Big rocks? In your mouth! In your heart! To carry it out.
Let us not scorn the "light matters." In the short time we have left we must begin with everything possible. To prepare ourselves to come "before Hashem" with something small at least. As a rule in spirituality every element has importance. Even in a situation in which everything is "bad" choliloh, if there is some element of "good," it is not rendered insignificant and lost. A person should not think that any teshuvoh carries no weight if he did not do total and comprehensive teshuvoh. Every little bit counts.
For it is very close to you—"in every time and place."
(Adar II 5741 and Elul 5746)
