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| Fill yourself with Torah and mitzvos! |
While this is certainly a terrible tragedy, the disturbing and debilitating state we currently find our society in appears to only be worsening. The developing on-line social networks are all founded on the need to publicize ourselves - the need for recognition and attention. This, too, comes from a form of low self-esteem.
How can we fight this cataclysmic reality? As Jews, what are we equipped with to fight this grim battle against the forces of despair and low self-worth?
The Kaminetzer Maggid once related this marvelous mashal, one that may open the door to the answer we are searching for.
There was once a well-acclaimed craftsman who was famous for his one-of-a-kind pieces of elaborate and expensive furniture. After much labor and detailed artistry, he completed his newest piece - a stunning, regal curio display. The wealthy and prominent began their bids on the piece, drawing quite astronomical numbers. In the end, a successful businessman from Vienna won the bid - at 80,000 ruble. Placed in his luxurious living room, the businessman displayed some of his finest and priceless gold and gems in the curio.
The weeks and months passed, and the businessman witnessed a total collapse of his estate. The bank was forced to repossess his mansion along with his possessions since he was unable to pay all of his outstanding debts. The curio was taken as well, stored and moved countless times. Each time it was moved, it incurred scratches, dents, and abrasions due to the mishandling of the expensive piece.
Ultimately, the curio, devoid of any remnant of value, was sold at an auction for a measly 50 ruble. The shoemaker who won the auction proudly brought the piece back to his shop in Vienna where he would store scraps of leather and various tools.
One day, the craftsman who constructed and designed the curio was walking the streets of Vienna when he tripped on a nail and tore his shoe. Luckily, he saw a shoemaker shop just a few stores down the street. He entered the shop and showed his damaged shoe to the owner.
"Sure thing. I can fix that. Let me get a replacement piece of leather and a few tools from the other room," explained the shoemaker.
As he opened the door to the adjacent room, the craftsman peered inside and couldn't believe his eyes! His glorious, precious curio he spend days building now found a home in a dirty, low-class shoemaker shop! Overwhelmed with dismay, the craftsman passed out on the spot!
We, my dear friends, have been formed as one-of-a-kind, magnificent works of art! We are masterpieces designed with infinite wisdom, care, and foresight by the greatest Craftsman ever. Each Jew is an intricate and priceless creation.
However, we were designed for the sole purpose of being filled with valuable commodities - Torah and mitzvos - and meant to display these everlasting gems in all their glory.
But what do we fill them with? Every possible mundane and earthly pleasure, just like the scraps of leather and dirty tools! We have allowed ourselves to lose our wealth, our Torah and proud Jewish identity, and have willingly moved around resulting in our decreased value and state of beauty.
Though we are precious! We are priceless! We are each the sole and beloved child of Hashem!
If we were to recognize this, and live with this knowledge each day of our lives, we would clearly see just how valuable each one of us are! We would never succumb to low self-esteem! How could we?
We are invaluable!
Say to yourself ten times today:
"I am important! I am valuable! I am priceless! And I will accomplish great things today!"
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