My thoughts on the recent events.
Meny Hoffman
CEO, Ptex Group, Host of the Let's Talk Business Podcast, Investor, Corporate Speaker and Published Author
In light of the painful recent events that have rocked the Jewish community, we’re all in search of answers for how to deal with the inexplicable. Knowing some of the victims of these attacks personally, I myself have been grappling with this question. How do we cope with the darkness that surrounds us? How do we go on after lives are taken by senseless acts of hate, after families are destroyed?
Regardless of your race or religion, we can all agree that the world needs more goodness and kindness in these dark times. On the heels of Chanukah, which ended just a few short days ago, if there is one message we should take with us, it’s this. While we must take every practical precaution to prevent violence, the true way to fight darkness is not with sticks or weapons, it’s by simply adding a little bit of light.
In our homes, in our communities, in our workplaces, we can never underestimate the impact of a simple act of kindness or compassion. Smiling to a stranger. Giving a word of appreciation to a co-worker or employee. Resisting the urge to judge. Listening to a friend. Thanking a teacher or mentor with a surprise gift. Putting your phone away during dinnertime. Being present with those around you. Not only do small actions like these have an immediate, positive effect on the person on the receiving end, but they also make it that much more likely that the person will perform an act of kindness for someone else, and the cycle continues. Just as one tiny flame can light an infinite amount of candles, there is no telling how far one simple act of kindness can reach.
We tend to have lots of opinions on how to make the world better. But we forget that making a change must begin in our own backyards. True change will come when we, individually and collectively, raise ourselves above fear and hatred and make sure that acceptance and love triumph—starting with our acceptance and love for ourselves, our family and friends, our colleagues and communities.
So I ask you: What will you do today to bring more light into this dark world?
May hate be obliterated once and for all, and may we see the true impact of our small acts of goodness and kindness in our own lives and the world at large.
Onward and upward,
Meny Hoffman
Child Development and Learning Specialist: "Every child was #BorntoLearn."
4 年I teach in a public school. I love the children I teach because they are sweet little human beings. I respect my colleagues because they are there for the same reason I am. I treat people with respect and kindness because that's how I want to be treated. It's just the right thing to do. Dayeinu. But it does cross my mind often, that my visibility as a frum Jew in my professional role, might be a decisive factor in changing even one mind, or influencing one person's perception. Maybe one day, that might save one Jewish life, Dayeinu, and we can go on.....
Professional Artist ?????? Sales and commissions. Art to inspire and infuse G-Ds light into this world.
4 年What an important message! Just to reflect, think about how often you learn that a gentile in a high position who is good to the Jews, was positively affected by a Jew/Jews who treated him well or helped him in his youth.
Child Development and Learning Specialist: "Every child was #BorntoLearn."
4 年thank you. I agree with you completely