Genealogy has become all the rage. There’s even a popular new TV series called The Genealogy Roadshow.
People are amazed to discover that they have royal blood and that their 28th great grandfather was King Henry of France or that their deep aversion to war can be traced back to their great grandfather who had written an objection to fighting in World War I.
It is no surprise that genealogy has become so popular. Genealogy can be very empowering. It satisfies a deep need to understand how we fit into the broader world around us. Understanding our past is key to understanding who we are today. To become familiar with our past is to become familiar with our very own DNA.
Are you curious about your genealogy? Do you have royal blood perhaps? Were your ancestors great inventors or heroes?
Of course it takes a lot of effort and time to uncover your past.
So please allow me to make you job a little easier :) I’ve done a little research and this is what I’ve discovered about your genealogy.
Yes, you do have royalty in your blood. Your ancestors stood at Mt Sinai as G-d crowned them “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation"
And yes, there is bravery, courage and strength in your past. You are a descendant of countless generations of ancestors who outlasted every enemy and overcame every challenge, and though sorely tested and bitterly tried, remained faithful to their values and their G-d.
There is morality, altruism and philanthropy in your past. As a matter of fact your ancestors introduced the very concept of morality to our world.
Your ancestors, in the words of President John Adams, “contributed more to civilize men than any other nation…. and have influenced the affairs of mankind more and more happily than any other nation, ancient or modern.”
Royalty. Bravery. Determination. Morality. Goodness and kindness. This is your genealogy and this is your DNA. It's all in your blood. The only question is whether or not you will tap into it and what you will pass on to future generations.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Benjy Silverman
P.S. Thank you to all that have already participated in the writing of our new Sefer Torah. To view pictures from the Inauguration event check here. To participate in the writing and dedicate a letter visit www.chabadrt.org/torah