Who am I?
The ultimate question that constantly accompanies every person, throughout their lives.
This week Gan Izzy started. It was an amazing week if only a little too hot.
Watching the carefree nature of the campers engaged in a plethora of activities and shows, is always gratifying. Yet it’s what’s “not” seen that’s the most gratifying.
Identity. It comes from the core and is then built upon. The more aligned the outer layer and behavior calibrates with the core — the stronger the identity becomes and the deeper joy in life is revealed.
“Because I’m a Jew, a proud one too” — these words echoing throughout the joyous walls of Gan Israel of Westport!
Yet it’s “not” what’s heard inside the walls that’s the most gratifying it’s what’s being developed and nurtured inside out of the camper’s that resonates. Resonates for generations that is!
Who am I?
Perhaps the answer can be found in the opening words of this week’s Parsha. The protagonist is Pinchas.
Who is Pinchas? The Torah tells us with detailed genealogy. He’s the son of Elazar who in turn is the son of Aharon the first High Priest. ( the brother of Moses)
So who is he? It seems circuitous to introduce his parents and his grandparents when introducing who he is.
The answer is simple. He will shortly display to us who he is. Yet it all begins way before he performs — it starts in his home. His parents and his grandparents, his environment — his nurture.
Today we celebrate America250. Though Australian, I feel hugely patriotic. America is simply a great country founded on Biblical principles as stated in the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Incredible principles. Yet these principles are truest when we live our lives for who we are and what we represent!
Who am I?
“Because I’m a Jew, a proud one too”, the Gan Izzy campers know it and with that we can all rest assured that the future is bright — now let’s make sure we all know who we are!
An Yisrael Chai!!
With best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yehuda & Dina Kantor