In Parshat Yitro, we learn that action is the way of the Jews. In Pirkei Avot 1:15, Shammai says that we should speak little and do a lot. In this week’s parsha we read how Bnei Yisrael says כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֥ר ה’ נַֽעֲשֶׂ֑ה —all that Hashem spoke we will do. This proved to me the importance of Shammai’s words. There is no mention of talking. Bnei Yisrael doesn’t say that we will talk about doing the mitzvot; We will just do them.
Nowadays, we are very big talkers. We talk about our life plans, how religious we are, our intentions… But how many times do we say something and actually do it, or even mean it? How many parents think their kids will forget what they said the next day? How many people think what they said won’t matter tomorrow? A rabbi once responded after I said bli neder, without a promise, by saying “bli neder means you are not going to do it.” While he said it jokingly, there is some truth to it. Instead of talking, we have to start doing. Start taking action and doing what the Torah says, fulfilling our promises and doing what we know is right.
My blessing to you all is to start taking action and changing the world. Start taking action and fulfilling Hashem’s mitzvot. Don’t only focus on the mitzvot towards God, but also those that are bein adam l’chavero. Be people who take positive action to make the world a better place and be a light for other nations. Speak little and do a lot!
By Shira Sedek
