Cause, Effect, and Redemption
A Path to Personal Transformation Through the Teachings of Rabbi Steif
People need to stop thinking in terms of good and evil, and instead, think in terms of cause and effect. Our actions have their outcomes and influence on the world. Too often, people focus on blaming leaders, asking if we deserve them or not. But the truth is, our leaders are a direct result of our collective actions—they may not always be what we wish for, but they are a consequence of the choices we’ve made, both individually and as a society.
Does this mean there is no hope for the individual? The prophet Isaiah (60:22) teaches that Hashem will hasten the redemption in its time. This appears paradoxical. Rashi explains that if we merit it, redemption will come ahead of its appointed time, but if we do not merit it, it will come as scheduled. This highlights the role our actions play in shaping the future, emphasizing that while the appointed time for redemption is set, our merit can either hasten or delay its arrival.
Additionally, redemption will come either through mercy or judgment. If it comes through judgment, this does not mean that every individual will suffer. Each person’s path is shaped by their own actions. Those who strive to live according to Hashem’s will—through the fulfillment of Mitzvot, acts of kindness, and self-improvement—will merit an easier (or at least an easier path to) redemption. If enough people take responsibility for their actions and improve themselves, the collective merit will lead to a more merciful path for all. Conversely, those who do not align their lives with Torah and Mitzvot may experience a more challenging path, but even they will not be excluded from the broader redemption.
We cannot change the world in an instant, but we can change ourselves. And by improving ourselves and how we interact with others, we can gradually change the world around us. This is the core teaching of Rabbi Steif’s Mitzvot Hashem. His work emphasizes personal transformation not as a self-help book, but as a guide for living a life aligned with Hashem’s commandments, out of love, not out of self-interest or pride.
Rabbi Steif’s approach does not focus on altering the world or waiting for others to change; rather, it encourages individuals to transform their character and actions in small, practical ways. Through consistent effort in following the Mitzvot, showing kindness, and being mindful of our relationship with Hashem, we become agents of change. It is through these efforts that we can bring about a collective shift toward redemption, even in a world that seems fraught with difficulties.
Back to the idea of redemption coming through mercy or judgment—when we focus on mercy, it is important to remember that mercy does not negate personal responsibility. Each act of kindness, every moment of prayer, and every time we commit to improving ourselves aligns us more closely with divine mercy. But this mercy does not absolve us of our responsibility to act. Redemption through mercy is not passive; it is actively shaped by our engagement with Torah, our repentance (Teshuvah), and our continued efforts to perfect ourselves and our relationships.
If enough individuals work to improve their lives and align their actions with Hashem’s will, this collective effort can result in a redemption that is easier and more merciful for all. And, G-d willing, through our efforts, we can hope for a time when the majority of the world will experience redemption through mercy, with only a minority suffering through a more challenging path.
May Hashem imbue us with the strength to work on ourselves, to align our actions with His will, and to bring about redemption. May we all merit to see true peace, speedily and in our days!