Rabbi Mendy's Blog

Where does your sense of self-worth come from? Why do you think so little of yourself or so much of yourself? Why do we have such a disparity in society today of people who either have no self-confidence or over-the-top arrogance? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion Behar. The Torah focuses on two themes that should help us reevaluate our self-worth. The Torah first introduces us to the concepts of Shmittah and Yovel. Every seven years, the land of Israel must be allowed to rest so we may recognize that it is G-d's land and G-d's blessing that produces the bountiful crop that sustains us. In the 50th year, a Jublie is celebrated, and all fields and open properties in Israel revert to their original owner. This was a stark reminder that we don't possess the land but rather are gifted it by G-d to use according to the mission we've been given. Many people's sense of self-worth stems from what they own: their house, car, clothes, toys, etc define who they are and their societal position. The Torah says no, none belongs to you; these things have simply been loaned to you so you may use them to fulfill your earthly mission. 

So, where do we derive our true value as human beings? What should establish our place in society? The answer is in the second theme of this week's portion, directives on how we care for others less fortunate than ourselves. The Torah introduces a wide range of social commandments to assist those falling on hard times, from requiring us to offer interest-free loans to how we treat our workers and even paying someone else debt so they may stand on their own two feet once again. How we treat others speaks volumes about who we are, much more than the brand names on our possessions. 

So, if you fluctuate between no voice and an out-of-control ego, stop and ground yourself in something that is truly yours and worthy of respect: how you treat your fellow humans. The choices we make are the one thing Hashem gives us entirely and, therefore, the one thing that defines us more than any other. So stop wasting your life worrying about things that don't belong to you and say nothing about the kind of person you are. Instead, spend more time looking out for others, and you'll naturally find your voice, a voice that commands respect by the example it sets. 

Good Shabbos & Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski

Mission: Spend time each day thinking of one person you can help. Think of small acts that can lead to a big impact on someone's life and start implementing those small actions.

Are you intimated? Afraid of being great? Are you scared of what that might mean for your comfortable life? I get it; sometimes, it's easier to just shirk from the moment and retreat to something safe, but can you? 

The answer lies in this week's Torah portion, Emor. There, we learn about two Mitzvot that form the basis of our mission in this world. The Torah commands us to sanctify G-d's name and never desecrate it. One's name, of course, is one's representation to the rest of the world, and in this case, it's no different. Our conduct affects G-d's standing in the world. Since we were chosen at Mt. Sinai to bring divinity to this world, our conduct now reflects on our creator. 

While yes this is a huge responsibility and quite overwhelming, we've been chosen for this mission because we are up for the task and have the capacity for greatness. It can be frustrating to be held to a higher standard, but it comes with territory, and it always will. It's time we stopped running from this reality and started living with it and embracing our greatness. 

The world is spinning out of control, and while our homeland and our people are under attack and under scrutiny, we need to lift ourselves and show the world that a nation that carries G-d's name doesn't run from challenge and renege on its responsibilities, and definitely doesn't stop living proudly Jewish. We carry this banner and all that comes with it joyfully and confidently, as we have done for thousands of years. If history has taught us one thing, it's this: Jew-haters come and go, but Jewish people are forever, so live Jewishly and walk boldly as you work to make your world a home for the almighty. 

Mission: This week, think about your everyday life and your choices. Do they best represent your creator? Are you more concerned about what's popular and socially acceptable than what G-d asks of you? Choose one Mitzvah to change your experience and bring pride to who you represent.