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One of our biggest dilemmas has to do with our Jewish identity. On the one hand, we want to be citizens of the world. On the other hand, we want to keep our Jewish identity. How can one walk this think line? The answer is found in this week’s Parasha.
The Torah Tetsave portion speaks about the pure olive oil with which the holy Menorah was lit in the Temple. The olive oil has 2 characteristics: on the one hand, it permeates all other materials. Did you ever see what happens when a drop of olive falls on a big stack of papers? It goes in very deep. On the other hand, the oil always floats on top of the other liquids and never mixes with them, no matter how much we try to stir it. Try this experience at home 😊
This is how we should behave in our everyday lives. We can be in contact with the rest of the world and influence it, but without being influenced by it.
Many times, we think that in order to be accepted and valued by others, we need to act like them, losing our identity. But the world appreciates those who have their own character, those who keep their values even when people around them behave differently.
So, this week, let’s to our Jewish identity, without being concerned about what will our friends or colleagues think about us. With Shabbat candles (girls and women), Tefilin (boys and men), study of Torah and all other Mitsvot.
If we act like the olive oil, G-d will surely bring us Mashiach now!
Shabbat Shalom!
Hanna
