Think Quickly, Act Carefully3 min read

As ‘corona zman’ fades, and the nylon walls between us are torn down, Zman Kayitz begins. The Bais Medrash buzzes with new intensity, feeling more open and inviting. There are many new people to meet, new Rabbeim to reach out to, and new opportunities to explore. Much time has been spent last Zman reflecting on the situation in yeshiva and the numerous restrictions that came along with it. I now look forward to a new Zman in a reinvigorated Yeshiva.

R’ Tzadok Hacohen M’Lublin’s master-work, Tzidkas Hatzadik, begins with a wonderful message that can assist us as we proceed into a new Zman and recalibrate our aims for the future. R’ Tzadok begins the Sefer by stating that a person’s entrance into avodas Hashem needs to be “B’chipazon,” with haste.

He compares this to the haste with which the Jews left Mitzrayim when they were finally freed. In contrast, he says, our  Sedarim are slow and quite long because B’H we are not in a rush. This is the difference between Pesach Mitzrayim (how the original Pesach unfolded) and Pesach Doros (how we practice Pesach today). We began with great haste; only then could we bask in the wonder of Pesach.

R’ Tzadok extends this message to all spiritual endeavors. When we leave our own spiritual wasteland to seek greener pastures, we must do so quickly. He proceeds to explain that when the desires of the world are bearing down on you, there’s no time to waste. You must act now! He then says something frightening. If you act swiftly, “Ulai Yachol,” maybe you will be able to conquer the yetzer harah. Even if we display vigor and swiftness in avodas Hashem, success is not guaranteed. Doing what is right is so difficult, and the only chance one has is to begin with haste. Only then, after acting B’chipazon, can you enter a state of Pesach Doros, and proceed calmly and steadily. 

This message directly connects to two major facets of our time in yeshiva. The first is a Derech HaLimud. Sometimes, when beginning a new Sugya, it is a good idea to achieve a quick overview of the topic, the ‘bekiyus’ view. Once you have some familiarity with the topic, then you can go back and learn it slowly with more attention to the details, the ‘iyun’ view. This is a good idea to use when learning Tzidkas Hatzadik itself. Doing a quick scan before analyzing a piece can be very helpful in studying this difficult sefer. The same applies to Gemara; first the ‘bekiyus’ and then the ‘iyun’.

The second way we can internalize this message is in our broader avodas Hashem. It’s the same lesson and “derech halimud”, only now in the realm of spiritual growth. R’ Moshe Tzvi Weinberg compares this derech to someone in Shana Aleph. Many teens go through periods of immense religious growth in Shana Aleph. In high school you couldn’t pay them to learn extra Torah. However, after a single year in yeshiva, that same person is learning three full sedarim, even during his breaks. It’s incredible to see. 

When a person recognizes that his way of life is not ideal, he should make an automatic, unequivocal decision that he will do everything in his power to improve his life. Once this decision is fixed in his mind, he can begin planning and deliberating how exactly to achieve that goal. Then, after one flees his personal Mitzrayim and enters the period of Pesach Doros, he can begin building a functional model of life for the future. The initial extreme decision to change is a crucial starting point for a longer period of thought out action. The swiftness must be in thought. Once the decision is made to lead a more G-d centered life, the action will follow.

R’ Tzadok is teaching us that when we feel inspired to grow, we must take the opportunity and run with it. Otherwise, the moment may slip away and the inspiration will fade. When those moments come, you must seize the opportunity and use the moment as a launch point for further growth – whether through a captivating shiur, an uplifting kumzitz, or an especially good ‘Rambam’. For example, if you see your friend learning after night Seder and you feel for a fleeting moment that you should do the same, immediately commit to adding 30 minutes of learning to your schedule. Beginning is half the battle. Once you proceed on your newfound path, then you can calibrate your schedule accordingly. 

Of course, you should always think before you act, but not for too long! Don’t let the inspiration slip away. Many opportunities come only once in a lifetime. It’s lifelong work to balance spontaneity with temperateness.

R’ Tzadok’s precious words transcend time and still ring true today. Carpe Diem, seize the day, and approach each moment as an opportunity to connect to Hashem. As Rabbi Dr. Benji Epstein says beautifully in his book, Living In the Presence, “Our awareness of the divinity manifest within the present moment consecrates the present with [Hashem’s] presence.” Learn to recognize when you are inspired so that you may use those moments to improve yourself and inspire others. That is our avodah, to grow constantly, to continue searching for a connection with Hashem in the present moment, and to use this moment to spur further development into the future.

A new Zman awaits. Commit right now to change, and guide your actions towards your new aim.

Wishing you much success on your journey.

Behatzlacha!