Chok L'Yisrael - Shlach for Monday

 

Chok L'Yisrael

Shlach for Monday

As old age approaches and gray hairs appear, when a person's strength wanes and his evil inclination weakens, he should remember that his end is near, reflect on the future (Cheshbon Ha'Nefesh), and return to G-d, who will have mercy upon him. However, if someone does not repent even when his inclination is diminished in old age, his punishment is doubled, and ill-will against him increases. As the Sages, of blessed memory, said: "There are three whom the Holy One, Blessed is He, hates: a proud poor man, a rich man who denies his wealth, and an adulterous old man." As it says, "Strangers devoured his strength, yet he knew it not; gray hairs are sprinkled upon him, yet he knows it not." (Hoshea 7:9)

It is perplexing and surprising that a person, standing in the midst of life, observes the passage of days, the decline of his physical form, and the onset of a dry, withered appearance as expressed by the verse: "My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass." (Tehillim 102:12). His eyesight and mental clarity diminish, yet he does not recognize that he is steadily journeying towards the place where he will spend eternity, moving closer each day and night.

Many people withhold repentance from themselves because they believe they are innocent and pure. They neglect to correct their actions, imagining themselves to be already righteous, while in reality, they are great sinners against G-d. As it is written, "For there is no man on earth so righteous that he does only good and never sins." (Kohelet 7:20) These individuals, scorning reproof, do not recognize or understand their sins. Even if their sins become known to them, they soon forget. They are like a sick person who is unaware of his illness and does not seek a cure. His condition worsens until it becomes incurable.

This often stems from a lack of understanding. They do not seek G-d or desire to know His ways, and thus, they do not seek out the wisdom of Sages or their students. As the verse says, "A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise." (Mishlei 15:12)

(Yosef le-Chok, Rabbeinu Yonah Sharei Teshuvah 9d)

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Conclusion:

The text emphasizes the importance of teshuvah (repentance), especially as one approaches the end of life. Teshuvah is not just about seeking forgiveness but also about returning to one's Divine source, realigning with the higher aspects of one's soul.  One must correct their actions and seek to repair any spiritual damage done through sin. 

The concepts of returning to G-d, rectifying one's deeds, and seeking wisdom and understanding are integral to the spiritual ascent and rectification of the soul.

*The term "Cheshbon Ha'Nefesh" (חֶשְׁבּוֹן הַנֶּפֶשׁ) is a Hebrew phrase that translates to "Accounting of the Soul". Where one regularly evaluates their thoughts, actions, and spiritual state to improve and correct their behavior.