In reflecting upon the state of affairs, whereof some Jews are observant and others are not, I realized something important in regard to how I should best view those who have not yet embraced Torah. For myself, it is not that I had ever abandoned Torah in my lifetime. Rather, up until a certain time in my life, I had never embraced Torah, nor knew of its advantages in doing so. Not that we are called upon to observe Torah for our own advantage; however, truly, only in pursuing righteousness can anyone draw closer to G-d, and receive His consolation, even in the midst of suffering.
Yet, as a ba’al teshuvah (returnee to the faith), who only later in life took upon myself “the yoke of heaven,” I recognize the fairness of viewing others who have not yet started on this journey as akin to my own state of mind, before walking in the ways of the mitzvot. How can anyone reject what they have never known, nor sincerely considered? So, if anything, I should feel and exhibit compassion to others, who I would hope to see transformed by G-d’s grace upon them, drawing them near to Him through His words.
For everyone, it is different in regard to the bridge that is crossed into the Promised Land. When we are able to observe the mitzvot with devotion we are well on the way. In acknowledgement that we are still on a journey, rather than having already arrived at the destination, each individual is somewhere along the way. For myself, it’s being on the derech (path, way) that counts the most in my life. May others also be brought into the clearing whereof they may begin anew, and journey along the road toward faith and devotion, according to the individual expression of the soul, and G-d’s guidance for their lives.