"If I Am Not for Myself, Who Will Be for Me": How Can We Take Responsibility for Our Actions?

"He (Hillel the Elder) used to say, If I am not for myself, who is for me?And being for myself, what am I?If not now, when?" (Pirkei Avot 1:14).

In any journey of personal and spiritual growth, one faces an essential question: how responsible am I for my own progress, and are my achievements sufficient?

Hillel the Elder’s teaching in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers) provides us with the right approach: the full responsibility is on the individual, but even after acquiring knowledge, good deeds, and spiritual virtues, it is not enough. Everything already achieved is merely a starting point for future accomplishments, and the aspiration to rise higher must be constant. How can a person maintain a continuous sense of commitment without falling into complacency?

How to Take Responsibility in Serving Hashem?

As explained by Rabbi Ovadiah of Bertinoro:

"If I am not for myself - if I do not merit it for myself, who will merit it for me".

If a person does not act on their own to achieve spiritual virtues, no one else can do it for them- the responsibility for personal and practical progress rests solely on them. One cannot rely on others to build their character or fulfill mitzvot on their behalf and they therefore must take responsibility and act for themselves.

"And being for myself - even if I attained for myself, what worth is this achievement against what I am obligated to do".

Rabbi Ovadiah of Bertinoro explains that even if a person has already attained spiritual virtues and progressed in the service of Hashem, the value of these achievements is insignificant compared to what they are obligated to do and what they can still achieve. The person is limited, and what they have achieved so far is only a small fraction of what they can truly reach.

Even when one thinks they have already reached a high spiritual level, they must understand that there are endless steps ahead to continue advancing.

Moreover, as long as a person lives in this world, they have a perpetual obligation to continue acting and progressing, as life itself is the only opportunity to fulfill their mission. Even if a person thinks that they have already "attained" something – it is nothing compared to what they can and should still do.

"If not now - in this world, then when? After death, it is impossible to attain further. Another interpretation is, if not now- in the days of youth- when- as perhaps in old age it will not be within reach."

The time to act is now, and one must not postpone spiritual work or actions to a later date. Sometimes a person deludes themselves into thinking that they will engage in important matters "in the future," but there are no guarantees that there will be another chance. Therefore, they must use the time in the present and act immediately, especially when they are young and able to change and grow.

How Do We Utilize Our Potential in This World?

A person who wishes to maximize their potential should act according to three principles: immediate commencement, consistent action, and continuous development.

First, do not wait for "perfect" conditions to begin acting, but make use of the existing opportunities now.

Second, maintain consistency – even small advances, when consistent, lead to significant change.

Finally, always strive to learn and evolve, while understanding that every achievement is merely a step along the way, aspiring to add another layer to the service of Hashem and the improvement of the world.

A Question for Reflection

What is the spiritual step you know you need to take, but you keep  postponing? Is it strengthening in faith, Torah study, or a specific mitzvah? What prevents you from starting now, and if not now – when?