There is a Midrash on the above pasuk which is particularly relevant at this time of year. Everyone is seeking areas in which to improve. Eliyahu Ha’Navi relates that he was once travelling from region to region, when he came across a man who sneered at him. Eliyahu was taken aback and immediately questioned the individual, “What will you respond to Hashem on the Day of Judgement?” The man quickly responded, “I have a simple answer to give my Father in Heaven. I will tell Him that I was not given sufficient understanding or intelligence to allow me to master the Chumash and Talmud.”
This answer did not phase Eliyahu Ha’Navi who retorted, “My son, what is your profession?” “I am a fisherman,” responded the young man. “And who gave you the ability to learn how to weave flax into nets, and then throw them into the sea to catch fish?” “Oh Rabbi,” he replied, “For that I was given understanding and intellect from Heaven.”
When Eliyahu heard this hypocritical remark, he admonished the young man saying, “My son, if Hashem gave you the mind and intelligence to master your chosen profession, He also gave you intellectual ability to master the words of the Torah, as it is written, ‘the matter is very close to you.'” (Devarim 30:14)
How true and meaningful are the words of this Midrash. Everyone finds an excuse for his “inactivity” in Torah study. One’s activity in his chosen occupation, however, bears testimony against him! We find methods to master the most difficult problems, to understand the most detailed computer program, but the “piece of Gemorah” is simply “too complex” to master! Suddenly, the only boys who can make it in Torah learning are the exceptionally bright individuals. The words of the Midrash rebound. If you can “make it” in any profession you can “make it” in Torah study as well.
We may add to this idea. If one achieves and excels in the field which he chooses, he must endeavor to do the same in the area of Torah. After all, should we not attribute equal value to Torah as to the pursuit of secular/material excellence? Can we say in all honesty that Torah is given “equal time”? There is no excuse for one who is proficient in various areas of secular/material pursuit to defer Torah study to a distant second place. We must make time for Torah, just as we do for everything else.
If one begins to study and perseveres, he will slowly, but surely, develop his knowledge of Torah. At this time of the year when our every action is scrutinized and Hashem is close to us waiting patiently for our return, how wonderful it would be to undertake to strengthen our limud ha’Torah, Torah study. May the commencement of and commitment to enhancing our Torah study be a source of merit for all of Klal Yisrael.
