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Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov

Outnumbered

The Jewish people are always outnumbered, whether in the political arena, in battles for moral clarity, or in their efforts to transform the world into a home for G‑d. Yet, despite their small numbers, they are never truly alone. Jews around the world are referred to as “one nation,” united by a common covenant with G‑d. This unity is not only an abstract concept but manifests in practical ways as well. When Jews live according to Torah values, they create ripples that reach Jews in every corner of the world, uniting them in purpose and vision.


This unity becomes especially apparent in times of crisis. When Jews face threats, whether physical or spiritual, they instinctively come together. The prayers of one Jew in a remote village can be felt by Jews across the globe. The resolve of one Jew to keep Shabbat, despite opposition, strengthens the resolve of another Jew who may be struggling in a different way. This mutual support is not merely emotional or psychological; it is deeply spiritual, rooted in the eternal covenant with G‑d.


The covenant between G‑d and the Jewish people transcends time and space, binding us to every generation of Jews—past, present, and future. This sense of timeless unity is a critical source of resilience for the Jewish people, who have faced countless challenges throughout the centuries.


The Jewish people’s strength in the face of adversity stems from this unique, eternal bond with G‑d and with one another. In every generation, Jews have affirmed their covenant by committing to study the Torah and perform the commandments. By doing so, they connect themselves to every Jew who has come before them, every Jew alive today, and every Jew who will be born in the future. This unbroken chain of faith, devotion, and shared mission is a wellspring of strength, allowing the Jewish people to rise above the hardships they have endured.


Ultimately, the Jewish people’s strength is derived from their connection to G‑d through Torah and mitzvahs. Torah is not simply a set of laws; it is the blueprint for the world and the lifeblood of the Jewish people. Each commandment observed strengthens the bond between the Jew and the Divine. This bond, in turn, fortifies the Jew’s ability to withstand external pressures, whether they come in the form of antisemitism, assimilation, or moral confusion.


This concept helps explain why the Jewish people have not only survived but thrived despite being the smallest of nations. They do not stand alone in their mission to serve G‑d and bring His light into the world. They are supported by the cumulative power of their ancestors’ faith and by the shared commitment of Jews everywhere to uphold the Torah’s teachings. In this way, the Jewish people are able to face adversity with a sense of confidence, knowing that they carry the weight of history on their side.


By living a life rooted in Torah values, Jews tap into a well of divine strength. They realize that their efforts are not in vain, even when the odds seem stacked against them. The Jewish mission is to transform the world into a dwelling place for G‑d, and this mission is supported by the accumulated merits of all past generations. When Jews live by the Torah’s teachings, they not only fulfill their own purpose but also elevate the world around them. Through their shared resolve, the Jewish people continue to fulfill their divine mission, transforming the world into a home for G‑d.

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