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"This commandment that I (God) command you today, it is not concealed from you and it is not distant" (Deuteronomy 30:11).

"This commandment" is in reference to studying the Torah for the purpose of following all of its precepts.

The Medrash Rabba (Devarim Rabba 8:3) relates an incident where a fool entered a house of Torah study. He asked how he can also study and master the Torah and its laws. The students answered that one must start with the basic foundations of the five books of the Torah, the Prophets, and the Scriptures. Following this, he can move on to the Mishnah and the Talmud. The fool realized the daunting task ahead of him, gave up, and walked out.

Rebbe Yanai explains that this fool thought there was no time and no way to master so much information, so why try? However, a reasonable person will say, "I'll start slow and do as much as I can, day by day. Over time, I will have amassed a wealth of information that will allow me to persevere toward my final goal."

An individual may feel that Torah is distant and concealed from him because there is too much detail and information. However, it is only through perseverance and consistency that one has any chance to be successful in any endeavor. Every small step toward Torah understanding and observance is a giant leap toward consistency, and consistency is the key to success.

Rabbi Chaim Lobel is spiritual leader of Young Israel of Aberdeen.
www.yiaberdeen.com