Yesterday, at the UN general assembly, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized Israel's great achievements in agriculture, health, water, cyber and in the fusion of big data, connectivity and artificial intelligence. For example he shared how “Israel leads the world in recycling wastewater. We recycle about 90% of our wastewater. ……. the next country on the list only recycles about 20% of its wastewater, Israel is a global water power”
What he did not address was the secret to Israel’s success. How has a a country of 8 million, only 60 years old, surrounded by enemies, in a constant state of war since its founding, with no natural resources become so successful in so many areas?
To understand the success or failure of any society you need to understand its unique culture.
When it comes to Israel though, there’s a challenge. Israel is the ultimate melting pot. It has absorbed more than 350 times its population in the last 60 years, by far more than any other nation on earth.
The only thing that all Israelis have in common is their Jewish heritage.
The cuisine is different, the customs are different, the linguistics and celebrations are all different. But the Torah is the same.
There’s a whole Torah culture that includes a way of looking at life, a system of beliefs and a set of values that is shared by all Jewish Israelis, whether they be Ashkenazi, Sephardi, religious or secular.
Even the most secular Jew in Israel is a product of generations of Jews that lived and breathed Judaism. While he may not believe in, or practice Torah, he shares this culture. It’s in his DNA. Whether aware of it or not certain “Torah values” have been transmitted to him from previous generations.
Judaism is not only a spiritual lifestyle, teaching you the best spiritual path. It is for real life. Real success. Success in relationships, happiness, well-being and even economic success.
The success we are witnessing in Israel today is the sum total, the product of 3000 years of Judaism and Torah “culture”.
The Talmud declares “As my ancestors planted for me so do I plant for my children”
Israel, and by extension the entire world today, is reaping the benefits of centuries of Torah life and Torah values. But the question each of ask must ask is, are we planting for our children? Will our children benefit from the culture of Torah as we are benefiting from our ancestors? The Torah’s culture cannot continue generation after generation without any conscious effort, without us ever looking into the Torah.
The Modern State of Israel unequivocally shows that when you apply Torah and Jewish values to the world in the 21st century, the result is a stunning success. Why not try it at home?
Every time you add a little Judaism to your life or your children's, you have given yourself or them critical tools to succeed in the real world.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Benjy Silverman
P.S. If you would like to find out more about this unique “Torah culture” that inspires such success consider joining our fall course “How Success Thinks”. The course provides uniquely Jewish ways of thinking to help you develop a growth mindset, identify and cultivate your signature strengths, deal with your weaknesses, and overcome the obstacles to your success. Find out more here.
- Join us for a Farbrengen followed by Selichot, tomorrow night at 11pm