I Have Decided to Shut Down: A lesson from Nitzavim

Over the years, at times, I have let my big ideas get the best of me. I often start projects that are too big or not realistic, and then I do not finish them. Last week I decided to put all my big dreams aside. I wanted to take a moment and get back to what this was meant to be: I shut down all the extra. No stores, books or fundraising. Now, it's just me writing, and you (maybe) reading ;)

In this week’s parsha, Nitzavim, the Torah says, “You are standing today, all of you, before Hashem.” Rashi explains that Moshe gathered everyone together: leaders, workers, children, and strangers. What I took from this was that they showed up as they were. It didn't matter what type of person was there. In Shaar HaBitachon, Rabbeinu Bachya writes that people sometimes trust their own strength or plans too much, but those things can fail. The real calmness comes from trusting Hashem and knowing you do not always need to achieve more. Sometimes it is enough to just be you, in the place where He put you.

I love fantasizing about how I want to change the world. But for this week, let's take a quiet moment before Shabbos. Stop thinking about what you have not finished or what you should build next. You as the piece of G-D on earth are perfect just as you are. Look at where you are right now and thank Hashem for letting you be here, in this moment!

Good Shabbos

All the best

Avroham Yehudah Ross