Life is full of challenges—moments that remind us of how fragile things can feel and how deeply we need one another. Just look at the wildfires raging through Los Angeles this week. In those moments, we’re often pulled in two directions: the need to look after ourselves and the call to support those around us. Striking the right balance between the two isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for living a meaningful and compassionate life.
In the Torah, we read about Joseph and his two sons, Menasheh and Ephraim. Joseph named his firstborn Menasheh to reflect the importance of protecting himself from the negative influences of his environment. His second son, Ephraim, symbolized the responsibility to go beyond self-preservation and positively influence the world.
When their grandfather Jacob blessed them before his passing, he gave precedence to Ephraim, even though Menasheh was the eldest. Jacob’s blessing teaches us an important lesson: while taking care of ourselves is vital, our ultimate purpose is to reach out and uplift others.
This balance—caring for ourselves while helping others—is at the heart of what it means to live a good life.
Caring for ourselves is a necessary first step. We need to ensure our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being so we can stay strong during life’s challenges. Whether it’s taking time to rest, setting boundaries, or grounding ourselves in family and community, we build resilience by attending to our own needs.
But we’re not meant to stop there. Once we’ve taken care of ourselves, we have the capacity—and the responsibility—to look outward. It’s about balance. You can’t give your best to others if you’re depleted, but a life focused solely inward misses the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Supporting others doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It doesn’t require extraordinary resources or skills—just a willingness to notice others’ needs and act with compassion. By doing so, we create a world that feels a little more connected, a little more hopeful, and a lot more human.
Each of us has the ability to make a difference. That might mean helping a friend going through a tough time, being there for a family member in need, or extending kindness to a stranger. These simple actions can brighten someone’s day and remind them they’re not alone.
There’s something greatly strengthening about being part of a community that looks out for one another. Our sages have taught that all of Israel is interconnected, each of us responsible for the well-being of the other.
When we care for others, we not only help them, but we also create a ripple effect of goodness that strengthens the entire community. At the same time, we often find that helping others brings us a sense of purpose and fulfillment that enriches our own lives.
May we all find the balance to care for ourselves and others, and may our acts of kindness illuminate the lives of those around us. In doing so, we fulfill not only our personal potential but also our shared mission of creating a better world, one small act at a time.
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