Dear Friends,
Once upon a majestic peak, a group of passionate mountain climbers embarked on a relentless journey to conquer the towering summit. Their years of dedication and preparation had honed their skills as they endured the harshest climates and scaled countless smaller mountains. Finally, the moment of triumph arrived as they reached the pinnacle with exuberant pride.
To their bewilderment, they discovered a young boy perched casually on a rock, seemingly untouched by their grueling struggle. When asked how he arrived there, the boy calmly responded, "I was born here.
This simple reply carries a profound message. It reminds us that each of us is born with unique gifts, akin to being born atop a mountain. These innate abilities grant us access to heights others might labor tirelessly to attain. But do we recognize and appreciate this head start?
In this weeks Torah portion, Moses warns against falling into the trap of entitlement. We must not forget that our strengths are ultimately bestowed upon us by a higher power. While hard work and dedication warrant recognition, we should acknowledge the head start we received in life.
Yes, we may build upon our talents and accomplish great things, but let humility guide our hearts. Acknowledge the divine gifts we possess, and our achievements will be bathed in gratitude rather than arrogance. In doing so, we embrace the essence of our journey—climbing with grace, recognizing the blessings that lie within. Shabbat Shalom with Love & Light,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos
ב"ה