Since October 7th: "Act now - Tomorrow Can Wait"

Never Say "Tomorrow"?

Torah portion Vayetze?narrates the profound journey of Jacob as he leaves his homeland in pursuit of personal growth - starting a family, and spiritual enlightenment.

This portion is rich with themes of struggle, aspiration, and divine encounter, all of which resonate deeply with the motto of "not delaying till tomorrow."

?The Journey Begins:

Our Torah portion opens with Jacob fleeing from his brother Esau after securing the blessing meant for him.

His journey to Haran is not merely a physical escape; it symbolizes a quest for identity and purpose. During this journey, Jacob experiences a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. ?

?This vision signifies the connection between the earthly and the divine, a theme that Rabbi Sacks eloquently discusses in his teachings.

Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that the ladder represents not just a bridge to God, but also a call to action. He interprets the dream as an invitation to engage with the world rather than withdraw from it.

?This aligns perfectly with the idea of?not postponing our responsibilities or spiritual pursuits.

?Jacob's immediate reaction to his dream—his vow to dedicate his life to God—illustrates the importance of seizing the moment and acting decisively.

Watch now a video (brought by Sivan Rahav Meir) of Yossi Sharabi's friend,?Avida Bachar - his wife and son, were brutally killed by Hamas. He himself lost his right leg... ?

He speaks in the rebuilt synagogue in his Kibbutz.?

He says:?"Since October 7th I realized -??Never say Tomorrow?- we are finite creatures"?

?Avida’s insight from these circumstances is: "Embrace the present and make the most of each moment in your life—don’t wait for tomorrow."?

** Try to follow the Hebrew subtitles.

The Imperative of Action

In our contemporary lives, the challenge of procrastination often hinders our personal and spiritual growth.

Rabbi Sacks teaches that Judaism values proactive engagement with the world. The Torah commands us to act with urgency, particularly in matters of faith and ethics.

?Thus, Jacob’s journey teaches us that every moment is an opportunity to connect with the divine and fulfill our potential.

?A Chassidic Story

One poignant Chassidic story emphasizes this principle of urgent action.

?Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, known for his deep compassion for the Jewish people, once encountered a man who was constantly delaying his repentance, believing he could always return to God later.

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak responded with a parable:

He said, "Imagine a person who has been given a precious jewel. He carries it with him everywhere, but he keeps saying he will sell it tomorrow. One day, he loses it, and his delay costs him dearly. The time to act is now; do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may never come." This story encapsulates the urgency of spiritual action, reflecting the essence of Jacob's journey in Vayetze. Just as the man in the parable learned, we must not postpone our spiritual commitments, for each moment is a treasure.

?And now a little bit of Hebrew:

?We would like to address now the word sulam -?????.

?SULAM – ladder

?In Modern Hebrew the word?SULAM?is used for?ladder

SULAM KHEVRATI?- Social Ladder -????? ?????

SULAM?is also a?scale?

SULAM RICHTER?- The?Richter Scale -????? ?????

SULAM?MUSIKALI?– Musical?scale, or a musical key

A modern derivative of?SULAM?is?

HASLAMA?–?Escalation -??????

An escalator in Hebrew is?MADREGOT NAOT?(lit. moving stairs) -??????? ????

As we reflect on this Torah portion, let us take Jacob’s example to heart.

May we approach our lives with urgency and intention, recognizing that every moment is an invitation to engage with the divine, to act with purpose, and to fulfill our spiritual potential.

In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of our ancestors but also pave the way for a brighter, more connected future.