* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Sometimes we have so many obligations that it appears impossible to fulfill them. This week’s Torah portion has more mitzvahs than any other, 74 out of a total of 613.
Our Torah portion deals with every area of life, from family, marriage, education, and social interactions to economics and agriculture.
So many obligations may seem onerous but our sages are not apprehensive about our ability to fulfill them. The fact that we received so many mitzvot testifies to God’s faith in us. In any large project, the most capable workers will be given the most responsibility.
If God gave us so many mitzvot it’s because he knows of what we are capable. We have enormous inner strength and are suitable for carrying out the mission our Creator has designated for us.
Every mitzvah is not just another burdensome task but an opportunity to draw closer to God, an expression of His trust and love. It’s an opportunity to show who we really are by bringing out the divine potential within us.
In the month of Elul, and with the beginning of the school year, God reveals to us that He trusts us and believes in us, and reminds us to believe in ourselves. We can do it.
