It’s that time of the year again, where we get to review our status and state. Are we truly thriving or are we just pushing our luck for another week or two? Have we really set ourselves up properly or are we riding a train hoping that there is enough fuel and logs to the next station?

Devarim is when Moshe takes the entire nation and makes a true accounting of where they stand and what they truly believe. He tests their belief with reprimand and encouragement. Do they believe only because they have a leader like him, do they believe because they are in fear of the other option, or do they believe because they truly believe?

I see in my own life that sticking to my beliefs requires truth, otherwise I fold when the time gets hard. I have tripped up so many times right before the finish line and it hurts very much. It used to hurt differently because in the past I used to think that my decision to become better is final and that if I fall once “what’s the point at all?” But now my attitude has changed. I have come to understand that although my decision is final, I also know that falling is part of the process. The only true way to have accountable progress is by stopping every now and then and realizing the stretch I’ve walked and how far I’ve been able to carry my belief with me.

There is a famous Gemara in Shabbat 118b that quotes, “If only the Yidden keep two Shabbatot they would be instantly redeemed.” Let me ask you this, “How long have you been able to carry your belief for?” Have you ever decided to do something and stick with it for over two weeks? I believe that if one can truly push through a focused state of mind for this tiny amount of time they will........

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