Parshat Ki Tavo spells out the blessings and curses first introduced earlier in Sefer Devarim, prior to Bnei Yisrael’s entry into Eretz Yisrael. As the Parasha ends, Moshe Rabeiynu imparts a message of empowerment to the Bnei Yisrael, reminding them of their ability to uphold the covenant and follow the commandments. He instills in them the belief that they have the skills and strength to overcome challenges, emphasizing the power of focused, positive action. This link between actions and outcomes resonates closely with the psychological concept of self-efficacy.
Self-efficacy, as proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura, refers to an individual's belief in their ability to successfully execute tasks and achieve desired outcomes. This belief profoundly influences one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, impacting their willingness to take on challenges and persevere in the face of adversity. Self-efficacy plays a significant role in shaping human behavior, motivation, and achievement. People with higher levels of self-efficacy are more likely to set ambitious goals, persevere in the face of obstacles, and recover quickly from setbacks. Moshe Rabeiynu’s final summons of the nation is a clear example of how self-efficacy drives both individual and collective success. Chazal teach that “Lo alecha hamelacha ligmor, v’lo ata ben chorin l’hibatel mimena” - it is not upon you to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it (Avot 2:16)”. The value lies not only in achieving results but in nurturing the belief that we are capable of taking the next step forward.
In the passukim of Deuteronomy 29:1-8, Moshe Rabeiynu gathers the people to remind them of their achievements, mistakes, and the miracles they've witnessed. He emphasizes their responsibility to uphold the covenant, linking their actions to the outcomes they will experience. The Gemarah in Avodah Zarah 5b says that a student doesn’t fully understand his teachings until after forty years. At this point, the nation had completed 40 years of discipleship under their leader. Seeing how Hashem would begin to expect more from Bnei Yisrael now, Moshe Rabeiynu masterfully instilled self-efficacy into them—a confidence flowing from their past experiences toward their future challenges.
The Passuk 29:3 states: “Velo-natan Hashem lachem lev lada'at ve'einayim lir'ot ve'oznayim lishmoa' ad hayyom hazzeh” - “Yet to this day Hashem has not given you a mind to understand, or eyes to see, or ears to hear.” Rashi explains that metaphorically, Hashem had not yet granted these senses until this moment, enabling understanding of His loving-kindness and the ability to follow His path. The Siftei Chakhamim further elaborates that the Torah itself is the unifying factor providing confidence to overcome challenges. As David HaMelech writes in Psalms 31:25: “Chizku ve’ya’ametz levavchem kol-hammeyachalim laHashem” - “Be strong and of good courage, all you who wait for Hashem.”
Three Practical Ways to Increase Self-Efficacy
- Acknowledging Achievements: Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Recognize your progress and give yourself credit for your accomplishments. Reflect on the skills and efforts that led to your achievements, reinforcing your belief in your abilities. As Moshe reminded Bnei Yisrael of their journey, we too strengthen our self-belief by recognizing progress along the way.
- Learning from Mistakes: View mistakes as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on failures, focus on the lessons they provide. Analyze what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use this knowledge to refine your approach next time.
- Embracing Challenges with Confidence: Shift your perspective on challenges from threats to opportunities. Remind yourself of past instances where you successfully tackled difficulties. Approach challenges with a positive attitude, believing in your capacity to learn and adapt. The Ramban teaches that when we choose life (U’bacharta ba’Chayim, Devarim 30:19), it is our active decision to take charge and grow, even in difficult circumstances.
In our lives today, the concept of self-efficacy remains as relevant as ever. True empowerment is born when we realize that the strength to succeed lies within us, waiting to be awakened by our actions. As the Chiddushei HaRim taught, every Jew has a hidden inner strength (koach penimi) that awakens precisely when faced with challenge. When we trust both Hashem and the strength He placed within us, we discover that even the greatest obstacles can become stepping-stones. As Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Each step forward is a testament to our belief that we are capable of overcoming any challenge. Parshat Ki Tavo encourages us to cultivate self-efficacy by acknowledging our achievements, learning from our mistakes, and embracing challenges with confidence. Just as the Bnei Yisrael’s self-efficacy was deeply tied to their connection with Hashem, our belief in ourselves can be intertwined with our faith and inner strength.