I've spent the last few years working in Ohel's employment program, holding various positions, and most recently, I was promoted to Senior Manager. Over the years, there have been stressful moments, and recently, I’ve been reflecting on something my supervisor once shared with me. She advised me to think about why I entered this field, to focus on what makes me happy about it, and to tap into that idea as a source of motivation. Over the last few days, I took her advice to heart and applied it not only to my work but also to my spiritual journey. I started to consider how pieces of spirituality motivate me to find happiness and put in the necessary efforts.
In this week's parsha, Va’etchanan, we read about the posuk of Shema. To me, Shema is a powerful declaration. The words "Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad" remind me of the unity I share with Hashem! It takes me back to the intensity I had during my first visit to the Kosel. I can’t claim that I feel that same intensity every time I say Shema, but when I take a moment to meditate on its deeper meaning, the posuk resonates strongly with me.
This reflection led me to share something in the Kadimah group today when we were discussing this topic: I stated that meaningful or motivational moments within spirituality don’t need to be grand or dramatic—if it holds meaning for you, it’s valid.
For me, another one of those moments involves tzitzis, something I've struggled with but also deeply connected to. The strings and knots of the tzitzis correspond to the number of mitzvos in the Torah. When I reflect on tzitzis, I think about how wearing tzitzis serves as a dual reminder: 1) I am proud to be a Jew, and 2) I have the opportunity to do a positive deed, however small, to improve the world.
I understand that everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and what resonates with me might be Shema and Tzitzis; for you, might be something entirely different. I encourage you to find that inner happiness or spark that drives you to make a difference in your life because when you make a difference in your life, the world around you follows.
Good Shabbos,
All the best,
Avroham Y. Ross
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