Dancing with Hitler
5 min read
Do you underestimate yourself? If you were told that you have the potential to be righteous, would you reply, “Me? Impossible!” It isn’t impossible; the word itself says, “I’m possible.”
There’s a shortage of righteous individuals. It’s a serious problem since they’re so in demand. Perhaps you could be one. Don’t get me wrong; most likely you’re not there yet. I get it. But one thing is certain: you’ve got great potential. Sure, we all have flaws, but they’re meant to be overcome. Righteous individuals don’t start out that way. They aren’t perfect or all high achievers. They’re just ordinary people, determined to rise above their circumstances. When they do, extraordinary things can happen.
No one starts out knowing what they are capable of. Life will throw you a curveball, and then you’ll be faced with a turning point. A change will occur, and your modus operandi won’t be sustainable. The idiom “Same old, same old” will no longer describe you or your life.
But here’s some inspiration: “In the merit of the righteous women that were in that generation, the Jewish People were redeemed from Egypt.” Who were these righteous women? They were downtrodden slaves who rose above soul-crushing situations to do what had to be done. What was their merit? They initiated the redemption from Egypt through their faith and commitment to ensure a Jewish future.
The Jewish women of that time overcame great obstacles to act on their convictions. History recalls various watershed moments when, at a crossroads, bold decisions were made. Overcome by physical and mental anguish, these women courageously set out on a mission: to build the Jewish nation.
Jewish survival in Egypt seemed impossible. The men were exhausted and despondent. How could they consider bringing offspring into an existence of brutal enslavement? Yet resiliently, the women went to find their husbands in the fields The men were broken, but their wives fed and encouraged them.
The Jewish women had polished sheets of copper that they used as mirrors. The Midrash tells us that “each woman held a mirror so she could see her and her husband’s reflection. She’d playfully say, ‘I’m more beautiful than you.’” These determined women were committed to ensuring Jewish continuity for coming generations. It required them to appear desirable and attractive for both their spouses and their own mental health.
Lest it be misinterpreted as being vain or self-serving, these copper mirrors served a lofty, Godly purpose. The Torah tells us that the Kiyor, the copper washing basin, of the Mishkan, Tabernacle, was made from the mirrors donated by the Jewish women. Unlike the other components of the Mishkan, the Kiyor had no specified dimensions or measurements. Every donated mirror had to be used in the formation of the Kiyor—no matter how large it would become. This clearly illustrates how sanctified these mirrors were to Hashem and to the nation of Israel.
Furthermore, the Torah states that upon experiencing the miracle of the splitting of the sea, the women sang and danced with tambourines to praise God. Where did they get these tambourines? Rashi explains that “even during the times of darkest suffering, the Jewish women had complete faith that God would save them. They actually fashioned their musical instruments in Egypt and brought them along when they fled.” The tambourines were symbols of hope and belief in the coming redemption. This was the strength of the women who left Egypt.
It’s unlikely that we’ll undergo enslavement such as what the Jews endured in Egypt, so what can you and I take away from their experiences? We can be more aware of how essential resilience and perseverance are—throughout our lives. Likewise, faith and courage don’t suddenly appear but must be developed over the course of time. You’ll need them in great measure throughout any personal crises you may encounter.
Righteous behavior is not exclusive to a specific people. Potentially righteous individuals are to be found in every culture. In our global so- ciety, righteousness is multifaceted, expressed in various ways. However, the righteous are inclusive of others and will help you find the good in yourself. They think beyond the present and envision a better future. The righteous model how to become more of who we truly can be. Encouraging the development of virtuous character traits positively impacts us all.
Now, let’s get back to you and me. As I said, your potential is great. Perhaps you just don’t realize it. In the present moment, how can you foresee who you could become? You’re not just needed; you are essential. Each of us has a central role in an unfolding process—more significant than we may know.
Our world needs more righteous people—or at least more righteous acts. Like a global “domino effect” they can uplift and ignite the hearts and souls of multitudes. One by one, we’d all be impacted positively. Collectively, we could produce a better world that would reflect the unity and goodness for which we all yearn.
Yes, the world needs more righteous individuals to inspire us, and to help us become more like them.
Seek out mentors and role models you’d strive to emulate.
What are some righteous character traits you’d like to develop? Identify and define them.
Formulate a realistic plan to assist you toward achieving your spiritual and character-building goals.
Get started and put it into daily use.
Recognize that character growth is an incremental, ongoing process. If you fall, get up immediately and get back on track.
