Who Am I?

Orthodox Jewish outreach is often referred to as kiruv. This terminology is defined literally as bringing close. Those involved in this field of work often volunteer their time or work for meager pay, yet they are so passionate about helping their fellow brethren that they continue pushing onward. To this end, the outreach programs are a strong movement within Orthodox Judaism that reach out to non-Orthodox Jews or our less affiliated brothers and sisters to further inspire belief in their Creator with an eventual hope to lead a lifestyle according to the code of Orthodox Jewish law.

The sefer Reshit Chochmah explains that when one is engaged in kiruv efforts, they may encounter an opposing view. These individuals might become quite hostile, causing undue stresses. Instead of politely asking questions, these aggressive folks will undoubtedly fire back at the outreach professional with a sour attitude. If one happens to come across such a person, it is incumbent to continue teaching them the holy Torah. One tactic that has repeatedly proven to succeed is the practice of delivering inspirational stories.

Furthermore, someone involved in outreach cannot by any stretch only see the belligerent person as the encapsulation of their actions; their neshama (soul) must be allowed to shine. There is another tidbit of advice that is often forgotten; do not merely talk to the person that meets the eye – the individual who is standing before you, rather open a conversation with their soul. Opening this dialogue creates a direct link to their Creator – Hashem. The obvious question presented is how to keep the fire lit within their neshama. The answer rests in persistence; keep repeating divrei Torah (Judaic insights) and other aspects of Judaism. With the focus kept on expanding their knowledge of Jewish thought, their soul will be revived, and they will soon yearn to connect to the Almighty.

The Baal HaTanya elaborates on this point, “Imagine you decide to go around town asking everyone you meet to describe who they are. Nearly every time these passersby will point to themselves and say, ‘This is who I am.’” To think this was is a colossal mistake! You are your neshama. We must remember that our bodies are only a costume; a vessel for our spirit. It comes down to understanding that our souls present at Har Sinai, our neshamot that are here in this world, and our spiritual beings that will join us in olam haba (the world to come) for all of eternity are actually who you are. When we comprehend and appreciate this notion that we are more than a physical body, we will then value ourselves tenfold and realize our importance as children of Hashem. At that time, it will become blatantly apparent that our Father in heaven has high expectations of us that can be grasped through the complete supremacy of yirat shamayim (fear of heaven).

By Rabbi Yaakov Rahimi