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.