Do I truly matter? Do my actions really make any difference? Will the world really fall apart if I tell a little lie or commit some other “sin”?
Mr. Anthony Weiner probably didn’t think so when he sent some text messages to a fifteen year old.
Yet, his actions are now having a major impact on the elections and may actually determine the next President of the most the powerful country on earth!
For the better or worse our actions do make a difference. Every word, thought, and action can have a tremendous impact.
As Maimonides writes, “a Jew must view himself and the entire world as equally balanced between good and evil, one good deed can tip the scale to the good and bring healing to the entire world….”
Often we don’t get to see the consequences of our actions, but rest assured that every action creates a ripple effect.
As a matter of fact, every major event in history can be traced back to a single action performed by a single individual. Like Mohammed Bouazizi who set himself on fire instigating the Arab Spring or Eddie Jacobson, the haberdasher, who convinced President Truman to meet with Chaim Weizmann inspiring America’s recognition of the State of Israel.
Remember, G-d does big things with our small deeds. Moses had a stick, David a sling and Samson a jawbone.
Had Mr. Weiner been aware of the far-reaching ramifications of his actions he may very well have found the moral courage to refrain from indulging in his vices.
The awareness of the far-reaching consequences of every one of our actions can serve as a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Benjy Silverman