By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser True Confessions

"They shall confess their sin that they committed" (Bamidbar 5:7).

This verse is usually cited as the source for reciting the Viduy confession.

The commentaries ask the intriguing question, "Why is the mitzva of Viduy, which is the foundation of teshuva (repentance), mentioned in the Torah so close to the sin of gezel (theft)?" The Sefas Emes explains that the source of all of man`s transgressions is found in the sin of gezel. He asks, "Is there any greater theft than using one`s life, power and abilities, that were to us granted by Hashem Yisborach, to rebel against Hashem and His mitzvos? This is the reason why the mitzvah of Viduy — the foundation of teshuva for all transgressions — finds itself near the sin of gezel, theft."

From this fascinating insight we learn a lesson that translates itself into our everyday lives. Hashem has given us all abilities. Each one of us possesses unique talents, strengths and character traits that we are expected to use for avodas Hashem — for the service of Hashem. If we misappropriate these gifts, it is tantamount to the sin of stealing.

We are familiar with the Chazal that says, "If one is engaged in doing one mitzva, then we are exempt from another mitzvah." The Sefas Emes asks, "Why is this so? Isn`t it possible to do two mitzvos at one time?" He answers that, "when one is involved in doing a mitzva, he has to dedicate all of his energies and power to that mitzva. Every fiber of his being must be totally involved in that par-

ticular act. Therefore, it is utterly impossible to do another mitzva at the same time." Keeping this in mind, we see the importance of total dedication and immersion in the mitzvos we do.

This can be applied to many different aspects of our lives:

The Rambam, in codifying the Laws of Spiritual Purity, tells us that one must have the proper kavanah in mind while immersing in a mikvah. If one does not concentrate on the fact that the mikvah removes spiritual impurities, the benefit of the mikvah for that individual is placed in doubt. The commentaries also point out that just as every part of the body must be totally immersed in the mikvah — even a single strand of hair is not allowed to be protruding from the mikvah — so too does one have to be totally immersed in performing mitzvos.

A question that we must ask ourselves is, are we totally dedicating ourselves to all mitzvos, even those that we find challenging? For example, do we ensure that nothing can potentially disturb us, or interrupt our kavana (concentration), during davening?

Concerning our children`s chinuch, have we done everything in our ability to ensure that our children get the very best Torah education possible, one that suits their particular needs? For those involved in the chinuch process, have we utilized our talents and energies sufficiently so that our children receive the maximum benefit from their learning experience? It is found in our Sifrei Halacha that if a teacher stays out late and does not get the proper sleep during the night, then the next day that teacher may be stealing from the children and the school, because he is only operating on half-power.

Kashrus is another area which deserves our full attention. With all of the positive developments that have been made in the field of kashrus, we still need to work hard to be assured that hashgachas (supervising agencies) and establishments live up to Torah standards. It is of utmost importance that the establishments we patronize have proper hashgacha (supervision) and provide an atmosphere which is conducive to B`nei Torah.

A certain great Rav in East New York was once asked why he never got involved in giving a hashgacha to the local restaurant. He stared at the questioner in amazement and gave the following response: "Don`t you realize that I have to sleep at night? If I gave a hashgacha on that restaurant, I would need to know the goings-on of that establishment 24 hours a day!"

One of the most important areas of our life that requires this total dedication is limud Torah, Torah learning. The great sage, Rav Aaron Kotler, zt"l, dedicated his entire life to promoting the principle of Torah lishmah — selfless dedication to Torah study. The Sefer Mishnas Rabbi Aharon is quoted as saying that all of our energies need to be devoted to Torah. Rav Kotler cited the well known Gemara that whoever engages in Torah study for its own sake, it is as if he has established a palace in heaven and on earth. Rav Aharon left us with a charge that the source of all blessings in this world comes from Torah study.

Bearing this in mind, we must strive for the ideal of Torah lishmah. It is imperative that we set specific times for Torah study, and not allow anything to come in the way of these set times. It is also important to guarantee that our Torah institutions have the proper resources to continue their holy work, unimpeded by uncertainty and financial worries.

We also have the responsibility to see to it that all young people are given the best possible opportunity to learn, regardless of their background, intellectual ability, financial status, or their physical or emotional challenges. The great Mussarist, Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, was once told by the people of his town that there was a poor child who could not be admitted to a Yeshiva because his parents had no money to pay tuition. Upon hearing this, Reb Yisroel jumped to his feet and exclaimed with great emotion, "Sell the Sifrei Torah of the community, but let the children learn Torah!"