It is now 16 years since I gave the Senior Sermon as a 5th Year rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary. In honor of that event, I want to share one piece of my sermon this evening.
On his comment on the first verse “Go forth for yourself,” Rabbi Sholom Noach Berezovsky in his book Netivot Shalom comments “no person is like another” — from the moment of Adam’s creation, each person has their own destiny and role, and no one can fix what is the responsibility of another. In other words, each of us has our own, personal mission to fulfill in the world.
This text has brought me great comfort over the years, especially when I feel that I am in the midst of doldrum or stagnation. Remembering that we each are unique and have our own personal mission in this world often brings me energy. It reminds me of Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers, that each of us must do our own portion of the work.
The next time you feel monotony or you are stuck, I hope you will reflect on this teaching of Rabbi Berezovsky and that it will help jumpstart you in life’s challenging moments.
