As the Jewish New Year approaches, the Torah teaches us that actionable deeds—not abstract love—ignite true devotion to G-d and pave the way to redemption.
Minutes of formal meetings always end with actionable items—without them, talk is empty. The same is true in life and love. Loving in theory is not love; only when love is translated into action does it become real.
This week’s Torah portion reminds us: “For this is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to do it” (Deuteronomy 30:14). Speaking of love for G-d is easy, even feeling it in our hearts is not hard—but Torah demands more: actionable love.
Rabbi Manis Friedman once shared a story of the Lubavitcher Rebbe advising a girl who confessed to being “mean for no reason.” Therapists sought to fix her heart first. The Rebbe flipped the order: “When someone asks for salt, pass the salt.” Begin with deeds of kindness. Habits change the heart faster than waiting for the heart to inspire deeds.
The same is true of our love for G-d. If we wait to be set aflame, we may never arrive. But if we begin with **mitzvot and deeds of love—lighting Shabbat candles, giving tzedakah, putting on tefillin—**our actions will awaken our hearts.
The Chassidic masters taught this truth with stories:
- A poor man “sold” his share in the World to Come for a single rubel. Forced to buy it back for a thousand, his soul’s worth skyrocketed—not because his heart burned with faith, but because he took decisive action.
- A donor once offered half a million dollars for a place near a great rabbi in Olam Haba. The rabbi refused, saying the price was one million. Why? Because true spiritual growth begins only when we move beyond our comfort zone.
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we face judgment not on feelings but on deeds. Love is not built in a day—but actions are.
This year, resolve to do one mitzvah outside your comfort zone. If it feels easy, it’s not enough. Growth comes when we stretch. Begin with action, and the flame of love will surely follow.
