This week we continue with the middah of responsibility and switch to exploring the root of responsibility, starting with your self.
There are two key questions that we have to ask ourselves in order to stand on firm ground when determining for what we want to be responsible and in what order of priority.
The first question is one that we learn from Moses standing at the burning bush (Exodus/Shemot 3:11). His first question to G-d during this scene is “Who am I – מי אנכי?” This deep existential question is daunting to consider, yet critical in order to lay out our own responsibilities. A first step to investigation is to listen to yourself and also to what others say about you in order to determine your greatness. Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, a great Mussar Rabbi, would say “G-d doesn’t have time to make Number 2’s. G-d only creates Number 1’s.” We are each great in our own way and once we tap into that vision, we can then determine our responsibilities.
However, if this question is too large, then we can break it down and look at a few key areas. In the introduction to Path of the Just (Mesilat Yesharim), the Ramchal says that perfection of Divine service is the goal of life and he furthers breaks down service as: love, fear, connection and all other aspects of piety. If we select from this short, yet challenging list of areas to perfect, then how might we define the responsibility we have to be the best we can be.
There is a much repeated story of Reb Zusya of Hanipol who said “When I die and go to the World To Come, they will not ask me, Zusya, why were you not Moses. They will ask me: Zusya, why were you not Zusya?" ...
