Q. I have been "getting stronger" in Judaism for awhile now, and I would like to become fully observant. But my problem is that I come from a secular home, in which the only commandments and traditions that are observed are Friday night Kiddush and candle lighting.
My main problem is on Shabbat. How am I supposed to keep Shabbat, when my whole family doesn't?
And another question: How do I do teshuva and become fully observant? Aside from observing Shabbat, wearing a kippa and tzitzit, and some other basic mitzvot, is there some kind of process that I must do? Perhaps there are other mitzvot that I must observe that I don't know about?
A. First of all, I hope you know that every step, every mitzvah or tradition that you merit to observe - is truly a great treasure! I am sure that our Father in Heaven, too, is "thrilled" with everything that you do to come closer to His Torah.
Even if you fulfill only a small number of things, it is very important to know what our Sages taught: "One who gives or does a little, and one who gives or does a lot - they are both equal; but this is on the condition that their intentions are for the sake of Heaven," i.e., to follow G-d's will and cause Him satisfaction and contentment.
It is therefore very important for one to be happy with whatever he succeeds in doing - with every good deed, with every mitzvah, with every advancement. Be really happy!
One of the most critical things for your progress is to have someone with whom you can discuss things - someone to take advice from, and to learn with and from. If this cannot be arranged in person, then at least it should be done by phone or over the computer. In this way, they'll get to know you and you will receive the right guidance for your specific situation and circumstances.
Answered by Rav Yitzhak Greenblatt, Yeshivat Bet El
Translated by Hillel Fendel
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