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(The) Life and death I have set before you, the blessing and the curse; therefore/and you (should) choose life. (30:19)

The Mirrer Mashgiach, Horav Yechezkel Levinstein, zl,  was known as a person who approached  mitzvah performance with enthusiasm and exuberance.  His vitality and vigor did not  wane even as he advanced in age.  He truly  embodied  the pasuk in Tehillim 92, “A righteous man will flourish like a date palm…They will be fruitful in old age, vigorous and fresh they will be.”  Each of his tefillos, prayers, were the result of a unique rejuvenation.  Each mussar lecture was a new experience.  To listen to him was to share in the re-invigoration of his spirit.  No aspect  of his spiritual ritual …

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It will be when all these things come upon you…then you will take it unto your heart…and you will return unto Hashem… Hashem…will place all these curses upon your enemies…and you shall return… When you will listen to Hashem your G-D…when you shall return to Hashem your G-D, with all your heart and all your soul. (30:1-2,7-8,10)

Horav Yechezkel Abramsky, zl, infers three levels of teshuvah, repentance, from the sequence of the pesukim.   The lowest  rung on the ladder of repentance is the teshuvah that emerges as a result of experiencing punishment.  After all, you do not find many non-believers  in the hospital!  The pain has  begun;  the punishment is imminent.  The reality of his wrong-doing is readily apparent.  Indeed, only the obstinate and arrogant will continue to  refrain from performing teshuvah.  “It will be when all these things come upon you,” as it begins to hurt – it is now efficacious to perform teshuvah. The middle…

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