Always remember you are unique - just like everyone else. Seriously though, each of us have unique G-d given qualities and talents, and it’s up to us to choose how to use them. The challenge is that there’s two sides to every trait, every part of our personality can be used just as well for bad good as it can for good. Therein lies the risk; our role is to ensure that we use our uniqueness properly. In this week’s Torah portion we read the narrative of Balak the Moabite King and Bilaam the Midianite Prophet. We’re told that both of them were deeply spiritually in tune and true forces to be reckoned with. However, both of these people chose to use their talents in the wrong way and ended up causing harm to the Jewish people, their own people and themselves. There’s a very important detail that needs to be highlighted. Bilaam’s attempt at cursing the Jewish people ended up providing us with the clearest reference to the Messianic Redemption in the Torah. In fact, there is a powerful message embedded here. The Talmud relates that when Moshiach arrives, the obstacles placed by the Yetzer Hara, the Evil Inclination, will be shown to the righteous as a tall, steep and imposing mountain and to the wicked as a thin flimsy string. The righteous will obviously feel accomplished with their achievement in overcoming this formidable foe and the wicked will feel silly that they couldn’t overcome such a weak challenge. One thing will become clear to everyone; the high value placed on the Mitzvot we do now, i.e. before Moshiach arrives. We have the ability - and responsibility - to be part of making this world a better, more G-dly and kinder world. Right now, we have a chance to be part of the action - but soon, very soon, it will be too late. Combating the darkness? The only effective method is increasing in actions of light. So those unique G-d given qualities and talents? Use them to increase in goodness and kindness. Making this world a better place requires increasing positivity and strengthening the good. Don’t stay on the sidelines - or worse, get distracted using your talents for other purposes - get in the game and let’s all work together in making this world a better place.
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