342. Heart of the World

I always thought Judaism emphasizes the great importance of humility.
Is that an expression of humility this nice daily dose ?
If that's true, maybe now we know why human history has been such a mess so far ...?

I am very saddened to read the comments here, and the "Dose" itself. Dr. Rubinstein, shame on you, and to the others, who do you think you are. And to the author, you seem to me to be much too full of yourself.

When I hear Jews speaking this way, I see people who need to feel special and apart. But I believe that G-d commands us to throw our energies at making our "selves" as small as possible and, in the morning, when we say Modeh Ani, to dedicate ourselves to rid ourselves of ourselves.

Think about this, please.

Most of the DNA a person inherits comes from the Father's side. This is a biological fact and is why I am a Reform Jew of Patrilineal Lineage--my lineage is on my father's side, and I have much of my father's DNA inherited.

I have to disagree with Mr. Tzvi Freeman.
Our Adonai is one to all humanity.
Including the Jews.

Absolutely personal statement as I am a foreigner from the far end of the world being Vietnamese I did not know any real Jew growing up. Then I thought they were just people of a long ago past, did not exist anymore: that how ignorant I was! By the grace of our G-d and I believe part of what He does during these days that I read your condensation and know enough to agree wholeheartedly with the wisdom of Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory.

This was so moving for me that I almost wept...its amazing to me that its true that we are the smallest minority and yet if we stay healthy both mentally and physically the world will be a better place for all...how does that work I'll never know but it is true and I know you are right...it is so beautiful to be a Jew and to be able to help others and be a part of a life force and live...

"Hormones, vitamins, chromosomes, etc., make up only a minuscule portion of the body
-yet they are the most crucial elements of life."

I am unable to comprehend the connection with your above verse and the one below. Kindly elaborate. Thank you.

"Jews are the smallest minority of all the peoples of the world
-yet they are the most vital element of history."

Kindly explain the connection with

you are entitled to your opinion on that matter, however, mine is that they work harder bc they feel they have to prove themselves to be normal contributing citizens of 'moral' worth.

Henrietta,

I think you have it exactly correct.

Very best wishes,

As you are both entitled to your opinions, I am also entiltled to share my own. As a cardiac surgeon who has returned to Judaism, in large part due to this wonderful website and my local Chabad shliach, I can say that I am blessed to see the hand of G-d in my work each day, probably more than I would in most other professions. We Jews are the only humans, and creations for that matter, on Earth that as it's written in the Tanya, have an actual part of G-d within us. The non-Jews feel that, and it's their jealousy that causes anti-Semitism. But absolutely nothing and no one can hurt us if it's not G-d's will. We have to do what G-d asks of us, and He'll take care of our safety.

Homosexuality is one of the biggest sins in the Torah. Although gays can be wondeful people, they are committing a terrible sin which drags down their beautiful souls. In addition, anyone in a healthy state of mind cannot help but be repulsed by this unnatural, disgusting act that goes contrary to G-d's will.