Are You Losing Control?

Human beings need clarity. It allows our faculties to operate at an optimum level. Uncertainty is

profoundly debilitating.

However, Jews are uniquely equipped not only to operate under these conditions but to thrive.

Our greatest achievements as a people have happened precisely at times of great uncertainty.

Abraham introduced monotheism to the world notwithstanding the risk to his personal life, with

no clarity about his future. Moses challenged the mighty Pharaoh with no clear strategy about

the possible ramifications. Nachshon took a leap of faith as he jumped into the Red Sea.

In the story of Purim, it is Mordechai alone who defiantly stands tall and proud in the face of a

most intimidating antisemite.

Ben Gurion declared the independence of Israel notwithstanding unanimous world opinion to

the contrary.

We are the chosen people endowed by G-d to be a “light unto the nations”. This “light” is

embedded in the timeless values of our tradition. We have the privilege and responsibility to

share these values with mankind irrespective of their popularity.

A society needs moral leadership. It cannot make decisions on its own. Left to its own devices, it

will choose the path of least resistance.

The Jewish people have to muster the courage to share those values with the world. To do so

respectfully and unapologetically. Even if it flies in the face of popular opinion. Even if it goes

against “conventional wisdom”.

Our strength as a people has always been in our defiance of “conventional wisdom”. We are all

“believers, the children of believers”. We are connected to a force greater than mankind.

We have achieved greatness only when we play to our strengths. Let us not be afraid to do so.