Hope you’re having a great day.

If you read the Torah Minutes you’ve seen it many times.

One of the most fundamental Jewish teachings.

“Man is created in the Image of G-d”!

There is something G-dly in every human being.

And that entitles them to respect and dignity.

What is this Divine Image?

It means things like the ability to transcend the physical world. 

And live a life infused with spirituality.

It means the ability to make moral and ethical decisions.

And here’s another fascinating insight.

G-d is absolutely unique.

And since we are created in His image?

Each and every human being is also unique! 

… It’s a teaching that should inspire us.  Help us realize how important we are.

And challenge us to make our lives meaningful.

Because it means there’s a reason that G-d put me here.

Me!

I have something to contribute to the world.  And no one else can take my place.

It should also affect how we relate to other people.

We should recognize their unique qualities.  Respect those qualities.

And try to learn from them.

… It was shortly after Pope Benedict was elected to succeed John Paul.

He decided to visit a synagogue in Cologne, Germany.

In honor of the occasion the Jewish community flew in the chief cantor of Tel Aviv.

After the service?

The Pope approached Cantor Chaim Adler and warmly put out his hand.

“I’m Benedict the Sixteenth.”

And the cantor’s response?

“Hi.  I’m Adler the First!” 

… It’s a cute way to remember a very important Jewish idea.

And to make it real in our minds.

That whatever our name is?

We are the First!

There never was someone exactly like us and there never will be.

And especially when we meet someone for the first time?

When we hear their name?

We should remember how important they are.

And think to ourselves…

… The First!

All the best,