There are heroes you hear about and there are others you don't hear about.
Elisha Medan is a 53 year old reservist who lost four friends and both of his legs while fighting to bring back home the hostages. I had not heard of him until this week when he was honored to light a torch for Israel's independence day.
This picture tells it all, about why he was honored and why he has become a symbol of resilience, heroism and greatness to so many.
Just looking at the picture gives you the chills, makes you think about his sacrifices and the pain he has gone through, yet the smile and determination that he is carrying each and every day.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, some well known and some less known.
The definition of heroism isn't always that people know about what you do or don't do, but is probably with the person acting in a way that overcomes the odds and challenges, does something with great personal risk, or represents and lives up to values even when it isn't too easy to do so.
There is a famous verse that states that "a righteous person falls down seven times, and gets back up".
A righteous person, isn't someone who doesn't fall or make mistakes, it is someone who falls, perhaps repeatedly, but knows how to get back on their feet again and try and get things right the next time.
Throughout our long history there have been so many who have faced some huge challenges, some spiritual, some physical, some mortal danger, some theological, and so many other forms of obstacles and challenges. Many who have been hurt, failed or been through so much as they sought to deal or overcome their challenges.
Every one of them have impacted the journey of humanity, of the Jewish people, and of who we are today. Indeed it is fair to say that it is truly thanks to them and their journey that we are where we are and who we are as Jewish people in 2025.
In our new course that starts this week, we will explore the gripping and inspiring stories of 12 lesser known heroes from Jewish history that have impacted entire communities or so much more in ways they may have never imagined.
This past week we began studying the Ethics of our Fathers and in Chapter One, we quoted Hillel who states ""If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am for myself, what am I?" (Pirkei Avot 1:14)".
It is a profound and deep statement that speaks to the importance of doing what one needs to for oneself and not being dependent on other people and circumstances, but at the same time he reminds a person, that on the other hand, if you are only for yourself and not about and a part of a greater good with others, then "what am I".
May we take inspiration from the many unsung heroes that surround us, many of whom go through so much to live another day, to overcome inner pain and challenges, or sometimes external pain and challenges, who in their own unique way are changing the world, one step and Mitzvah at a time.
Shabbat Shalom & Good Shabbos
Yisroel
P.S If you can't come to the Dinner tonight, please do join us tomorrow for the services or part of the services and the Kiddush, where we will continue this discussion and also hear from our guest from Shilo, Israel, who will share some powerful stories and anecdotes with these themes.