by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine

Little things count. That is the message of the blessings described in this week’s Torah portion. The blessing that G-d will “love you, bless you, multiply you, and save you from illness,” is granted to you, “If you will observe the nuances of the mitzvos.”

Traditional commentaries explain the observance of “the nuances of the mitzvos” is in addition to the basic requirements. “If you will pay attention to detail,” the Torah is telling us, then G-d will pay attention to the details of our needs.

There is however a different, illuminating perspective which those starting out in observance might find helpful.

Sometimes addressing all aspects of a mitzvah may be overwhelming. Even if one person may be ready for a mitzvah, but their spouse, children, or roommate, might not be ready to appreciate or to accommodate. The Talmud describes the emotion of being overwhelmed by a goal with regard to Torah study. And the Talmud offers simple advice.

The Talmud states:

The fool says, “Who can learn all of Torah? The laws of damages alone are 30 chapters.” But the wise person says, “I will learn two laws today, and two laws tomorrow. One day I will learn it all.”

The Talmud doesn’t explain how learning two laws a day will enable a person to learn it all. Mathematically it may not make sense. But experience shows that the strategy does work. If a person chooses “a point of least resistance” and succeeds with it, they have opened themselves up to additional opportunities of optimism and success. All we have to do is start with some little thing.

Consider a person who studied about Shabbos, and really wants to bring its warmth and meaning into their home. It doesn’t take much to decide to recite Kiddush and experience a Shabbos meal by oneself. But how does one attempt to share the beauty of Shabbos with family members, if they choose to be unmotivated?

One solution is to pay attention to little things: like flowers.

Although buying flowers for Shabbos is not a requirement according to tradition and Halacha, it is definitely a powerful “little thing” that opens the door to attitude change and future success. Flowers send a message that Shabbos is special. Such “little things” can be most pleasant gestures, and they open the door to countless blessings.

The simple message of the Torah is that if in addition to basic observance you will pay attention to detail, then you will merit great blessings. But perhaps the Torah is also saying, “Even if you are not observing everything- Pay attention to ‘little things’”.  Because little things change the direction of life. With time the fruit of your flowers will blossom.

With best wishes for a wonderful Shabbos.

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