In a life filled with so much noise and distraction, there are moments that define our purpose, moments that transcend the ordinary, and moments that call upon us to stand up for what we believe in. It was one such moment when I found myself amongst approximately 300,000 passionate souls, standing for Israel at the historical rally in Washington this week.
As a Jew, my connection to Israel is absolute. It’s a bond forged through centuries of history, culture, and conviction – a bond rooted in the principles of the Torah. But this assembly, this monumental gathering, was more than a display of solidarity; it was a statement of unwavering support for a nation fighting for its survival.
The rally echoed with chants and cheers. The rally was full of prayer and shared tears – especially for the loved ones still missing their family. It also resonated with a solemn understanding of the challenges facing Israel, our homeland, and all Jews throughout the world.
We acknowledged the sacrifices made by those living in Israel, the courage of our extraordinary soldiers, and the resilience of our people – all of which find their roots in the faith that has guided our nation for centuries.
This rally was a reminder that advocating for our beliefs, whether politically or personally, is not just a choice but a responsibility that aligns with the values and teachings of our faith and heritage. The Torah emphasizes the importance of justice, compassion, and standing up for what is right. Our advocacy for Israel embodies these principles and reflects our life purpose.
The rally teaches that we must proactively advocate for our needs in our communal and personal lives. Activism is a powerful tool when grounded in prayer and faith and guided by the teachings of the Torah. But advocacy is not just about raising our voices; it’s also about taking action, as small as those steps may be. We cannot be paralyzed by fear, doubt, or uncertainty, hoping that someone else will champion our cause.
Reflecting on that momentous day, I am reminded that advocacy is not limited to one cause or area of life. It is a universal principle that guides us in our pursuit of a better world, a better future, and a better self – all while staying faithful to the teachings and principles that have sustained us throughout our history.
We must rally for ourselves, advocating for our individual goals, dreams, and well-being. In doing so, we must surround ourselves with leaders and individuals who share our beliefs and remain steadfast to the teachings of the Torah while having an unwavering trust in God’s guidance. Indeed, we must march forward in our personal journey – driven by purpose and a relentless commitment to a brighter tomorrow. It all starts with a tiny step in the right direction.
Shoutout to all of our brothers and sisters on the frontline, and birthday wishes to Nir Ben-David, Rabbi Dr. Yosef Glassman, Rabbi Mendy Kaminker, Revital Sholomon, Jacob Spadaro, Michelle Vernuccio, and David Wagner
Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a highly regarded Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. He is President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a privately held national mortgage banker and direct lender. Shmuel has over twenty years of industry experience, holding numerous licenses and accreditations, including certified mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, residential review appraiser, and accredited investor, to name a few. Shmuel has successfully navigated through many changing markets and business landscapes, making his market insights and experience well-coveted within the real estate industry. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
