Yesterday I visited a business whose services I use from time to time, which I hadn't visited in at least three months. When I entered their first words were "how are you and your family doing during these challenging times and how are your loved ones and friends in Israel all doing"?
I started talking to them and we ended up speaking for less than five minutes, and then I looked at all three of these people, two women and one man of different backgrounds, and they all had tears in their eyes and they were all crying as I was speaking and telling them what had been happening. They then said, "we are of a different faith than you, but know that we are praying for Israel and the Jewish people and we stand with you".
I thanked them greatly for their touching and heartfelt words and said goodbye and left and of course began to think about the encounter, one of many similar ones I have had over the last few weeks.
It was a reminder to me, to stay focused on making good things happen in the world, remembering that there are so many good people out there, and our job is to never lose sight of who we are, and our mission and responsibility of making sure that we are always projecting good, inspiration and the light to all of those around us.
Indeed one of the released female hostages Sapir Cohen, spoke this week and told her story and among other very powerful and painful moments, she shared one, which I found to be very deep. She related how "one day I saw one of the terrorists with a memorial candle that had ‘Sapir’ written on it. I got angry because I thought I had formed a connection with them. I said to him: ‘Why, why did you write my name?’ And he said: ‘I don’t like you. You’re my enemy. I don’t like you. But when you’re here, there’s light.'”
I don't know and won't know what the terrorist had in mind, but it would seem to be that he was telling her, that even though he hated her, he sees that who she is and what she represents is LIGHT.
Tomorrow, we read the story of Jacob blessing his grandchildren Menashe & Ephraim. One child, Menashe, represents the idea that Joseph was grateful for forgetting the pain of his childhood, but at the same time he didn't want to forget his identity and who he was, when he lived alone and in a foreign land for so many years. The second child, Ephraim, represented the fact that not only did he not forget who he was, but he had also been blessed with being fruitful and productive, as he helped save a country, and continue to use his values to cause good things to happen.
Famously, Jacob switched his hands when he blessed them and placed his right hand on the younger son Ephraim, and the left hand on Menashe. Jacob was sharing with Joseph, that while both points (not forgetting who you are and actively working to cause good things happen) and what they represent are important. The goal is not only, to never forget who you are, for that is simply a prerequisite, but the bigger goal is, what you do and how you live up to and express that identity.
Remembering we are Jewish, because we remember or because others remind us of who we are, is important, but even more importantly and the bigger goal is, to live that identity and then as a result be a source of light and inspiration to others, wherever we go and wherever we can.
Continuing to live the way we should, with the result being that we are an Or Lagoyim, a light of inspiration to the Nations, is what will help us continue to make a positive impact on the world, and yes create a kinder and better world for all.
As we conclude the book of Bereshit (Genesis) tomorrow, we will declare, Chazak Chazak VeNitchazek, be strong, be strong and let's become stronger. Indeed, may the messages of the book of Bereshit, which we began reading on Oct 7th this year, give us the strength to continue to navigate the challenges that we have faced over the last few months, and even more importantly, to overcome them!
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel
P.S Join us for a short class on Chassidic Philosophy tomorrow morning Saturday at 9:30am - 10am along with some Hot Drinks & Refreshments.