Taking Full Advantage

By: Rav Reuven Taragin

Rabbi Tarfon said: “The day is short, and the work is plentiful, and the laborers are indolent, and the reward is great, and the master of the house is insistent.” (Avot 2:15)

He used to say: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it. If you have studied much Torah, you shall be given much reward. Faithful is your employer to pay you the reward of your labor. And know that the grant of reward unto the righteous is in the age to come.” (Avot 2:16)

Towards the end of Masechet Avot’s second perek, Rebbe Tarfon makes two statements regarding the level of effort that Hashem expects of us in this world.

His first statement defines the broader context of our lives. The Chassid Yaavetz provides background to this statement by identifying three primary reasons people fail to fully realize their potential: They overestimate the time available, underestimate the scope of their responsibilities, and fail to recognize the significance of their task.

Rebbe Tarfon addresses these three factors by emphasizing that the day in “the day is short” symbolizes life. It is brief, the workload substantial, the workers often unmotivated, the reward is significant, and the master—Hashem—has high expectations.

Each of these points holds independent significance.

Rebbe Tarfon begins by addressing the brevity of the “day.” Earlier in the same perek, Rebbe Eliezer emphasized the necessity of making the most of each day, urging us to repent “the day before we die” (Avot 2:10). Since death may occur at any time, Rebbe Eliezer encourages daily teshuvah (Shab. 153a).

If the “day” were extended, individuals would have excess time to achieve their objectives. In reality, life passes swiftly. Tehillim compares human existence to a shadow, noting that, like a shadow, a person vanishes rapidly.

The Chofetz Chaim compares the human experience of time to writing on a postcard. Initially, the abundance of blank space encourages individuals to write in standard-sized letters. As the space becomes limited, people realize they must write in smaller letters to express all they have to say. Many approach life similarly, living without urgency in youth and only attempting to maximize their time as they approach the end of their lives.

We should recognize the value of time earlier. The Chiddushei HaRim explains the custom of gifting grooms with watches this way. The watch should remind him to appreciate time, life’s most precious gift.

The brevity of life is further compounded by the magnitude of the required tasks. This is Rebbe Tarfon’s next point: “There is much work to do.” The Meforshim cite Torah learning as an example, noting that Torah knowledge is “longer than the land and wider than the seas (Iyov 11:9).” Our lives are brief, and Torah’s scope is vast.

Another challenge emerges when we fail to recognize the significance of our responsibilities. The Midrash recounts that Moshe Rabbeinu fasted and refrained from sleep throughout the 120 days during which he received the Torah. He resembled one granted permission by a king to retain all the gold coins he could count within a set time frame (S”R 47:7). Moshe understood the value of this opportunity and was determined not to waste even a moment.

Rebbe Tarfon taught that, as with Moshe, “the reward is great” for each individual. Every moment presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful actions or Torah study, which Sefer Mishlei (3:14) describes as more valuable than wealth or any other possession. These endeavors provide life with meaning and are the only achievements that endure beyond this world (Avot 6:10).

Rebbe Tarfon’s emphasis on the magnitude of the task may lead to a mistaken and potentially discouraging conclusion: If the required accomplishments far exceed the available time, one might question whether to begin at all. In his second Mishnah, Rebbe Tarfon clarifies that individuals are not expected to “finish the work.” The scale of the task should never prevent us from doing what we can.

Rav Meir Shapiro used this principle to explain the significance of Hashem instructing Avraham to count the stars, symbolizing his descendants (Ber. 15:5). Although it is impossible for a human to count all the stars, Hashem demonstrated to Avraham the importance of initiating a task, regardless of its apparent impossibility. Rav Shapiro explained that Avraham’s willingness to begin counting served as a model for his descendants, encouraging us to undertake missions that may seem unattainable.

Rav Shapiro exemplified his explanation by founding the Daf Yomi learning program. At the program’s inception, could he have anticipated convincing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to participate? Despite his limited reach, Rav Shapiro did his part; the rest is history.

Rebbe Tarfon’s use of the uncommon term “ligmor” (to finish) may allude to the pasuk “l’keil gomeir alai” (Teh. 57:3), which can be interpreted as Hashem finishing the work we begin. We must take the first steps, trusting that Hashem will complete the process. When we act with such faith, Hashem completes our efforts.

Although we are not expected to complete the entire task, Rebbe Tarfon teaches that “we are not free to desist from it.” Life is not merely an opportunity; it carries the expectations that we maximize our potential. As Rebbe Tarfon’s teacher, Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, stated earlier in Avot: “Im lamadta Torah harbei, al tachazik tovah latzmecha, ki l’kach notzarta—If you have learned much Torah, do not congratulate yourself, for this is the purpose for which you were created (Avot 2:8).” While some perceive Torah study and effective use of time as personal choices, in reality, both are obligatory.

Although completing the entire task is beyond our capacity, we remain responsible for fulfilling our role. Frequently, hesitation to act arises from uncertainty about achieving full completion. Our faith in Hashem and recognition of our duty should motivate us to take initiative. By doing so, we emulate:

• Bat Pharaoh, who reached out for Moshe’s basket, though it was beyond her reach;
• Amram, who remarried Yocheved without knowing if their children would survive;
• Esther, who approached Achashverosh unannounced without knowing if he would agree to receive her.

Great people achieve remarkable accomplishments when they fulfill their respective roles with the conviction that Hashem will complete the process.

May Rebbe Tarfon’s teachings inspire us to recognize the brevity of life, the magnitude of our responsibilities, and the true sources of value. Although a single lifetime does not suffice to complete the task, may we wholeheartedly embrace our mission and strive to maximize our accomplishments. 

Rav Reuven Taragin is the Dean of Overseas Students at Yeshivat Hakotel and the Educational Director of World Mizrachi and the RZA. His new book, Essentials of Judaism, is available at RabbiReuvenTaragin.com.