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Dear Yeshiva Family:
In this week's parshah, Moshe Rabbeinu addresses Klal Yisrael, reminding them of the fate of those who pursued the idol Baal Peor. While they were punished, Moshe reassures the people with the words )4:4(: "But you who clung to Hashem your God, you are all alive today." The Ohr HaChayim questions the significance of the word "today" and explains that it highlights the uncertainty of the future. Each day brings new challenges, and even someone who is virtuous can face tests later in life that may lead to failure. This doesn't imply that they were flawed until then, but rather, that they may falter later in their journey. This concept is a crucial reminder for us. As the Mishnah in Avos (2:4) advises, one should never trust themselves until they die. While being alive signifies that one has the potential for greatness and success, it also carries the risk of failure. Past achievements do not guarantee future success. The very fact that someone is alive means that Hashem has entrusted them with the opportunity to face new tests, along with the possibility of failure.
The Chasam Sofer offers a different approach to this word of "today." He explains that Moshe Rabbeinu was telling Klal Yisrael that the secret to their ability to turn away from Baal Peor and stay alive was because of the way they approached the challenge. We have to realize that we are literally at constant war with the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination), and we must use any tool at our disposal, physical or psychological, to win this battle. Just as one would confront a military threat with strategic planning, so too must one approach the Yetzer Hara with a deliberate strategy. The challenge of serving idols, which is not fathomable to us today in our modern world, was an overpowering urge incomparable to any urge or vice that exists today. In order to tackle it one had to approach it with a plan. If we can imagine someone in the throes of addiction, where it is extremely hard to turn away from what he knows is bad for him, it is not enough to tell him to just not do it again. He must have a formulated plan for how he is supposed to beat his inclination.
The Chasam Sofer explains that Moshe Rabbeinu's message was that one should approach his challenges as if this was a one-day challenge. Part of the way the Yetzer Hara works to overpower us is to try and overwhelm our senses by showing us the enormity of the challenge. Those who "clung to Hashem" fought back by employing a strategy where they viewed their struggle with idolatry not as an insurmountable, lifelong battle, but as a series of manageable, daily challenges. The "trick" they used to overcome the Yetzer hara was to focus on the immediate challenge at hand rather than the overwhelming scope of a long-term struggle.
This principle can be applied to any internal struggle. At some point or another during our lives, we will all be tested with a challenge with extremely negative emotions, whether it be with jealousy, bitterness, anger, or lust. When we perceive our challenges as endless, we risk feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Instead, by concentrating on the present day and not worrying about future battles, we can better manage our inclinations. By looking at tomorrow's battles today, we are effectively attempting to fight two battles at once; today's and tomorrow, and no one is strong enough for that.
The Gemara in Sanhedrin (100b) advises against worrying about tomorrow's problems, as we cannot predict the future. It is indeed too difficult to fight today's and tomorrow's battles simultaneously; the enormity of it can be paralyzing. Focusing solely on today's task provides a clearer, more manageable approach. Therefore, Moshe was telling them the reason they won was because they approached the Yetzer Hara with a plan; this is not a long-term fight. I am here just for today. Focusing on today's test—emphasizing that one only needs to handle today's challenge—makes the battle seem more achievable.
Imagine taking a college exam, knowing it will last only a few hours. One would focus on the test at hand without being daunted by the broader scope of exams or assignments. Similarly, we should wake up each day and approach life as if we are stepping into a college exam room. This is an official test, but it will be over soon. I have received a very clear direction from Hashem for how to pass this test, only today's test, and right now this is the only thing I have to do. Anyone can hold back for just a couple of hours. Don't worry about tomorrow right now; just pass the test for the next couple of minutes.
This strategy of focusing on "one day at a time" can be beneficial not only for resisting negative behavior but also for encouraging positive actions. Instead of trying to overhaul one's entire life all at once, which can be overwhelming, one can commit to making incremental improvements. For instance, one might choose to be loving, giving, patient, and kind—just for today. By concentrating on the present moment, the here and now, one can make meaningful changes without being daunted by the prospect of long-term transformation. Do not focus on tomorrow. Tomorrow will be tomorrow.
Of course, this strategy is meant specifically for fighting one's yetzer hara. The Gemara (Tamid 32a) says that who is a wise man – he who can see what the future entails. This, however, is regarding one's overall outlook and plan. While it is important to have long-term goals and aspirations, in the context of immediate challenges, the trick lies in addressing each test one step at a time, while keeping the broader goals in mind. This then is the way one can attempt to tackle his Yetzer Hara. When facing the Yetzer Hara, approach it with the mindset of handling only today's challenge. This focused approach makes the task seem more attainable and less overwhelming.
Another similar effective strategy is to break down challenges into smaller, more manageable goals. It's common for individuals, when highly motivated, to set ambitious goals. However, these initial bursts of enthusiasm may wane over time. To ensure sustained progress, it's advisable to halve your initial goal, making it more manageable and achievable. This approach helps maintain momentum and increases the likelihood of success.
May Hashem grant us the strength to continue clinging to Him and to life, navigating our daily challenges with perseverance and faith!
Have a great Shabbos!
Rabbi Moshe Revah Rosh HaYeshiva, HTC - Beis HaMidrash LaTorah moshe.revah@htc.edu | 
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