H'assidus !

Based on the Imrei Aish, Parshas Nitzavim

"Atem Nitzavim Hayom Kulchem Lifnei Hashem Elokeichem..." You are all standing today before Hashem your G-d..." (Dvorim 29:9)

Parshas Nitzavim always comes shortly before Rosh Hashana, and thus it is logical to find in these Parshas appropriate guidance for the issues on hand - the High Holidays, Tshuva (Repentance), and Rectification/Reconciliation of our shortcomings. The Imrei Aish shows us some clear, straightforward guidance in this light, from this first Pasuk.

It is well known that their are two sources/forms of inspiration - one from above (called isarusa d'leila by Chazal) and one from below (called isarusa d'lesatah). The inspiration from above is from Hakadosh Baruch Hu, while the inspiration from below is from our own deeds and efforts. Ideally, we would like to benefit from Divine Mercy and Grace to assist us in our own inspirational efforts (isarusa d'lesatah). Then, with a "clean slate" and a spark of the Divine, we can earnestly embark upon our efforts to improve ourselves and our actions, and begin our own Tshuva process. With this, we trust that we will merit Divine Assistance in our Tshuva, upper inspiration (isarusa d'leila).

This idea is reflected in the Gemara - "One who actively seeks to purify himself is given (Divine) Assistance in the process...". If one takes the first step - action - to purify himself (isarusa d'lesatah), Hashem will help him to complete the process (isarusa d'leila).

We find the same idea expressed in the case of Avraham Avinu, who described his situation as "Hashem, in Who's Ways (lit. - in front of whom) I walked...". The Imrei Aish explains that Avraham Avinu is telling us that in all of his actions, he always sought to "take the first step" of hishtadlus - prior effort of isarusa d'lesata, before Hashem Helped me.

This sheds light on our own pasuk - "You are all standing today before Hashem your G-d" - before Hashem Helps us. We are all standing together, united; and therefore its a appropriate time to take that "first step" - the low road - in who's merit we trust that Hashem will Help us to complete the Tshuva process. For without our first step from below, there won't be a step from above.

Fitting words as we head into the Yomim Noraim - the Days of Awe.

Translated by Reb Eliezer Weger of Rechovot, a Modzitzer Chasid