Hi,
Hope you’re having a great day.
I’m sure you’ve heard about it. Even if you’re not into football.
“Deflate-gate”.
The official footballs in the Patriot’s championship game were not kosher!
Because they were underinflated.
… Does it make a difference?
That gets us involved in something else.
Physics!
And there are different opinions.
It may be easier to throw. Or easier to catch.
Some say it makes no difference.
And one scientist had a very interesting take.
“I’m a scientist and an educator. And this is great for science.
Because it’s a great hook for teaching!”
I said to myself, “If she can do it? Why can’t I?
I’m a rabbi and a teacher.
And all this talk about being underinflated?
Is a great hook to talk about …
Low self esteem.
About not feeling good about ourselves.
… “Love your neighbor like yourself”. I am G-d. (Leviticus, 19:18)
It’s one of the most famous commandments in the Torah.
An obligation to love others is a revolutionary idea.
But it’s not the first one in this verse.
What’s the first revolutionary idea?
“Like yourself”.
The Torah says we need to love ourselves!
.. Self esteem is a billion dollar industry today!
So many people don’t like themselves. Don’t think they’re very important.
And don’t even know why they’re alive.
A key to self esteem?
We need to finish the sentence in the Torah.
“Love your neighbor like yourself …
I am G-d’.
“Your life has meaning.
You’re here because I am G-d. And I created you.
Because I think you can help make this world a better place.
I care about how you live your life. And I want us to have a relationship.
If you mess up? Don’t get down on yourself.
Pick yourself up and try harder”!
… So the Torah gives us the key to healthy self esteem.
Let’s take that key…
And run with it!
All the best,