#30 GREETINGS FROM NECHAMA
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR COURAGE?
The energy was alive in the JGU virtual classroom as we celebrated the power of a double birthday and a Yahrzeit of a man who defied communism with Jewish girls from around the world. We celebrated the courage of the Jewish people and shared stories of role models who embody courage. We searched for courage in our heart and discussed 70 ways to express courage in our daily lives.
We celebrated the 13th birthday K”H of my twin daughters, Shaina and Raizel who were born on the 20th of Av, which is also the Yahrzeit of Reb Levi Yitzchok, father of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. This year is the 70th Yahrtzeit anniversary of a man who lived with courage every day of his life under Soviet oppression. On the Yahrzeit anniversary of a righteous man, we are given a fresh burst of energy and power to reveal their strengths within ourselves.
Our “Beyond Bat Mitzvah” discussion began with a question.
“How do you define courage?”
The ability to do something that frightens one.
The strength of mind to carry on in spite of difficulty.
Courage from the word Coer in French - which means Heart, the source of feelings, spirit, confidence.
How can we find the courage in our heart and keep going even when faced with fear?
We reveal our courage when we reconnect to our source of strength and remember where we come from, where we are going and why we are here. It’s important to tell ourselves that we are not alone, Hashem is our guide and He is always at our side. A mentor will ignite our courage to take a new path or face challenges. The birth of courage can only take place when we confront our fears.
I recently drove myself to visit my precious daughter, Chana in Pardas Chana, an overnight camp in the Laurentian Mountains of Canada. I wanted to show love and support to my daughter who is a counselor at the camp. My heart told me that she needed my visit and so despite the fact that I had my fears, I didn’t let it stop me. Until now, I would avoid long distance trips to new destinations without my husband in the driver’s seat. In Canada, my cell phone wouldn’t work, I was afraid of getting lost. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have the stamina to drive so far on my own. But, my daughter needed her Mama’s hug and nothing was going to stand in my way. A dear mentor supported my decision to take this journey for the sake of my daughter. (Thank you Susan!)
On this journey, I learned so much about my own personal journey in life, my ability to overcome fears and my strength of mind to carry on in spite of difficulty. As I departed on this journey, I knew that I was not only taking my physical self on this journey, but it was a symbolic journey for my own soul.
As I traveled, I recalled the noble mothers of our past who sacrificed for their families. I thought about the wife of Rabbi Levi Yitzchok, Rebbetzin Chana (my daughter’s namesake) who traveled to be with her husband, when he was exiled to a small, remote village called Chili, in Kazakhstan. Rebbetzin Chana showed true “Mesiras Nefesh” - self sacrifice as she made the long journey to join her husband.
In Chili, she completely devoted herself to his needs. Far away from civilization, Reb Levik had no ink with which to write his insights on Torah. So Rebbetzin Chana made a special ink from berries which Reb Levik used to write his Torah on the margins of books. She also had the courage to smuggle these books from Russia and today we can learn his teachings thanks to her noble ways.
Rebbetzin Chana’s example gives me the courage to truly be there for my husband and children with all my heart and soul, though her challenges were far greater than mine. I take comfort knowing that the qualities of our noble ancestry are embedded deep into our souls and all we have to do is remember where we come from and tap into our source of strength.
Sometimes, the last leg of the journey is the most exhausting. The sun was shining stronger on my hot car, I was feeling tired and I was not as fresh as when I set out on my trip. How did I keep going? I kept my goal in sight and visualized the smile on my daughter’s face when I would surprise her at summer camp. I repeated a three word mantra, “Yes, I can” as my foot pressed the gas pedal. I heard myself saying, “You will get there in no time, just keep your eyes focused on the road.” In life, it does take great courage, commitment and confidence to reach our goals.
At the Montreal border, the officer asked me, “What is the purpose of your visit?” In life’s journey, how often do we ask ourselves, “What is my purpose? Why am I on this journey?” It takes courage to evaluate our purpose, to answer the questions and say it loud and clear to ourselves and to others. When we have a clear understanding of our purpose, we can overcome all fears and obstacles and reach our destination with great joy.
Chana was elated to see me and we shared precious quality time with each other that we will never forget. I also had the pleasure to meet up with several of our Jewish Girls Retreat staff and campers. As I refueled my car with gas for the way back, I knew that although I went to show love and support to my Jewish daughters, I was leaving with a refueled heart and soul filled with their warmth and love.
This trip taught me that at times we avoid putting ourselves in the driver’s seat, we think someone else will go for us or give us a ride. I realized that in life’s journey, it is up to me to put myself in the driver’s seat and follow the directions to the destinations I choose to travel. And, I won’t get lost because G-d is my guide and he is always at my side.
In the JGU classroom, we discussed 70 ways to express courage, for example: Play with the shy, quiet kid; Find a purpose or passion and commit your time to it; Try a new food; Be the first to introduce yourself and make a new friend; Visit an elderly care home.
Some of you may be thinking, why does it take courage to drive 6-8 hours in one day to a new location, why is it a big accomplishment to be the first to introduce yourself and make a new friend?
JGU member, Sarah from Arizona, said it so well in our class,
“It’s interesting that many of the things on the WAYS TO HAVE COURAGE list are hard for one person and easy for another, and the things that are easy for the second person are hard for the first!! Courage means something different for each person!”
Let us all help each other on this journey that we call LIFE! Let us be there to support each other through the tough times and give each other the courage and encouragement to overcome any and all obstacles. (Note: The word courage is found in the word encouragement!)
I want to take this opportunity to thank all those incredible people who provide support for all of our Jewish daughters at Jewish Girls Unite. We can only continue to provide inspiration and communty for our Jewish daughters at JGU/JGR because of your support and encouragement.
P.S. Happy Birthday to my twin daughters, Shaina & Raizel. May this year bring you joy and success and may you have the courage to reach for the stars.
