During this time, I have heard many people in the Jewish community talking about positivity. How can we stay positive? The third Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek would say the answer is “think good and it will be good.” We have the power with our thoughts and words to create reality—positivity is a choice! It is how we think and talk about events that occur or we believe will occur. Yaakov recognizes this, and in Parshat Vayeitzei, creates a new reality.

In Parshat Vayeitzei, Yaakov went looking for a wife and while searching, he ended up at a well with many shepherds. The shepherds would wait for all the shepherds to come in order to move this big rock off of the well. However, Yaakov saw this obstacle in the way and when he saw Rachel, he wanted to move it for her. The shepherds had already expressed that they needed all the shepherds to move the giant rock but Yaakov tried anyway. Yaakov was successful in moving the rock and it was not because he went to a gym and worked out. Yaakov was successful because he knew he could do it; he thought positively. Yaakov and his can-do attitude along with knowing Hashem was on his side, was able to move the rock and we are able to do so as well.

We are able with our thoughts, words and beliefs to manifest a new reality. Even more so, Yaakov taught us when there is a problem, we should ask Hashem for help and He will help us if we truly believe He can and will.

May we all merit it knowing Hashem will help us and in thinking positively. May we all be blessed with our thoughts, speech and belief in Hashem that our tefillot to Hashem will come true for good. And May Hashem help us face our obstacles in life and allow us to change our reality for the good.

Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.