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.