Stepping Up

Stepping Up

When my sister heard the topic for this piece, she warned, “Don’t talk about the boat.” But it’s unavoidable. We can’t talk about arvus, the mutual responsibility that every Jew has for the other, without pulling up the classic parable. One guy drilling on the floor of his closed yacht cabin will still affect the other passengers because (this one’s for you, sis) all Jews are in the same boat, and when one Jew goes down, we all go down with him (Vayikra Rabbah 4).

Since we’re one unit, we owe it to each other to find our niche in working for the cause — the cause being the Jewish People.

My most low-key, humble friend does dinner and car pool like the rest of the world, but also co-manages 23 clothing gemachs. Another friend runs a clandestine organization that’s secretly helped thousands of people. It’s not just big-name, major-league players and Chabad shluchim in Nowheresville who are charged with making a difference. The fact that you were born proves that our nation needs you.

Lighting the Oil We Have

We moved to a growing neighborhood in New Jersey, and the closest schools are quite a trip. So far no one’s opening any around here, and my husband tells me that if I think the neighborhood needs a school, I should start it myself. Sorry, don’t think so. I really admire people with the ability to take on big projects, but I’m not the type.

Your husband has a point. When there’s a buzz in your head saying “someone really oughta…” it might be a sign that the someone is you. Taking on an enterprise like opening a school is daunting — but lucky you, if you can be the messenger to make it happen.