This past week, I had the privilege to meet Rabbi Daniel Walker from the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. He described the moments when his community was attacked by a terrorist on Yom Kippur just two months ago.
I was attending a conference in New York, where he shared his experience in front of thousands of Rabbi’s in attendance. He said that while the attack was happening, he was acting on instinct, trying to save and protect whoever he was able to.
It was after the attack was over, he asked himself, “What do I do now?” He said that he felt extremely overwhelmed as how a Rabbi and leader should now react and offer assistance to his community.
He said, “I felt like I wasn’t up to the task, perhaps if someone else was there at the time, they would have known exactly what to do and say.”
But then, in a moment of clarity, he realised: Hashem put me here for a reason. It was one question that kept him going and commited to his role through all the challenges that would follow.
“What does Hashem want from me right now? What would a messenger from Hashem be doing now at this moment? Whatever that is, I will do that now as well.”
He fulfilled his task, not because he was the strongest, or the most prepared, or the most fearless, but because he was the one meant to lead his community through their moment of darkness. With that realisation, he found the strength to step forward, to hold his community together, and to begin the slow, painful, holy work of healing.
He concluded that whenever we find ourselves with overwhelmed feelings that we don’t truly belong where we are, or that we’re not ready for the challenges and responsibilities placed upon us, we should pause and remember one simple truth: “I am here for a reason. At this moment, I am Hashem’s messenger.” Therefore, the only question we need to ask ourselves is: “What does Hashem want from me right now?” That question gave him the strength he needed.
May it give us strength in our own lives as well.
This week’s Parshah, Toldot, tells the story of Yitzchak digging wells. What is the message for us? Why do we need to hear about ancient wells?
The answer is exactly what Rabbi Walker realised. Each of us carries incredible potential sometimes more than we even recognise. But to access it, we often need to dig a little deeper. When we reach into our soul, we uncover reservoirs of strength that can surprise us with how much we can achieve.
So, when a situation comes our way that feels overwhelming, we can learn from Yitzchak. Instead of turning away in fear, we can dig deep within ourselves and there we will find a wellspring of faith, strength, and courage.
Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Zalman and Esty
