Faith, Hope, and Gratitude: Key Aspects of Jewish Life

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As a religious leader, I feel an obligation and a desire to serve and help even more the country in which I was born and which I have been a part of with pride for many years. So, guided by the desire to contribute to the well-being and harmony of the emotional state of Ukrainian society, I decided to start this series of columns. In my opinion, this can not only promote interfaith dialogue, but also help many who need it. I think you must have seen texts like “why did the Jews succeed despite all the burdens and troubles”? Or were you interested in “How Israel won against several enemies, without yet having a large army, air force and tanks”? Although many factors can influence a person’s success, it can be said that some of the basic principles and values ​​that define the Jewish tradition can contribute to success. And these principles and values ​​are very universal, they can be acquired and they work for all people without exception. So I want to share them with you. Universal principles One of such principles is active thinking (And how else, when they want to destroy you?). In Jewish culture, it is important to learn how to ask questions, research, analyze, and constantly learn. This principle helps Jews develop critical thinking and constantly strive for self-improvement. In fact, this is not only characteristic of Jews – Ukrainian culture has also been repeatedly tried to be destroyed and enslaved (And in particular, just now!). But Ukrainian culture is bright, multifaceted, alive, carried through the years. The struggle for survival is certainly toughening, but I suggest today to focus more on something bright and good, without which this struggle is impossible. On faith, optimism, gratitude and perseverance. Faith is the key to success for Jews and all people. It gives meaning to life, confidence, hope and strength to achieve goals. Faith helps to find peace in difficult moments and to understand that even failures are part of the path to success. In the Jewish tradition, faith in G-d, hope for a better future, and gratitude for blessings are an integral part of daily life in the family and community. These concepts have a deep meaning for the Jewish people, helping to find strength and peace in difficult times, tragedies, and also helped revive the people’s dream of their own state after many sad pages of history. But they work regardless of religion. Let’s consider how these principles can affect our daily actions and attitudes towards the world around us. And why you need to maintain a positive attitude. Belief in G-d and hope for a better future Belief in G-d is a central element of Jewish identity. It gives the Jews confidence that G-d is always present nearby, that he did not just create the universe and turn away, go to rest. No, he helps and guides us in life every second. Like the conductor of an orchestra, his every movement and idea directs our world. Even in the darkest of times, faith in G-d gives hope for a better future. It reminds us that even in difficult moments we bear our fate with responsibility, and G-d guides us along the path of justice and mercy. For example, in Judaism there is a concept of “Bitahon” – literally translated as insurance or security, but really it is trust. Trust in G-d. It is the belief that G-d protects and helps us in all aspects of our lives. Faith in G-d helps Jews face challenges and obstacles with confidence and hope that G-d knows what is best for us. An important aspect of faith is understanding that even if we do not see the immediate results of our efforts, G-d is working behind the scenes, directing events for the benefit of those who trust in Him. There is even such a kabbalistic-mystical term “Ashgaha-Prati”. According to Judaism, there are no random events. A hair from the head or a leaf from a tree will not fall without the will of the Creator, and this will will not exist if it does not help someone. And even if people now think that this is a great evil, and there is no explanation for it… We do not see the whole picture. Hasidism – a stream of Judaism that originated in Ukraine – is dedicated precisely to serving G-d with joy, and not with fear. And you can put aside fear and trust only when you know that you are loved and cannot be harmed. Hasidic sages, in particular my teacher, the Lubavitskyi Rebbe, born in Ukraine, said: “Think good and it will be good.” Photo from Kyiv, on the corner of Saksaganskyi and Shota Rustaveli streets, near the Synagogue. This was a campaign for the 120th anniversary of the birth of the Lubavitch Rebbe, Menachem Mendl Schneerson – we posted this saying all over the Capital 120 times. This saying calls us to do two things. Firstly, to critical thinking and analysis, and secondly, to positive thinking and an optimistic perception of the world around us. This principle is based on the belief that the Almighty wants good for us, that our thinking and our thoughts have the power to create reality, and when we focus on the positive and joyful aspects of life, we attract good to us. Judaism teaches us to see the world in the light of hope and optimism. When we think positively, we attract positive events and opportunities. Faith in God and in ourselves helps us find solutions even in the most difficult situations. We become creators of our own happiness and well-being when we focus our attention on the good and positive aspects of life. Even in Jewish culture, the phrase “And it’s for the better” (Gam zu le tova) is often used, which reminds us that even in difficult moments and failures, Jews believe that everything has a reason and the course of events leads to something better. This principle teaches us to take unusual circumstances and challenges as learning experiences and find in them opportunities for personal growth and development. There are numerous stories and parables in Judaism that emphasize this principle. For example, the story of Joseph, when he was betrayed, sold into slavery by his brothers, went to prison – but eventually got a high position in Egypt and was able to save his family from starvation. This is the principle of Ashgaha-Prati. Because we don’t see the whole picture completely, it seems to us that everything is bad – but G-d sees all options and does the best for us! And that in situations that initially seem negative, there can be opportunities and amazing transformations. The principle “And it’s for the better” teaches us to be open to new ways and opportunities, not to dwell on the past, but to find lessons and understanding in every life situation. The belief that everything has a natural evolution and purpose, and that change is most often for the better, helps humanity find peace, confidence, and serenity even in the most difficult times. So let’s remember that our faith, gratitude, positive thinking and confidence that everything is for the best help us find joy, meaning and peace in life. They will give you strength, optimism and deep understanding. Let’s practice these principles in our daily lives, regardless of the circumstances, and make the world a better place for ourselves and those around us. Gratitude as an important component of Jewish life Gratitude in Jewish culture is not only an act of gratitude to G-d, but also an act of gratitude to people. It reminds us that every moment, every gift and help we receive is something special and worthy of our gratitude. So gratitude is an important part of Jewish culture and tradition. Jews begin their day with the word “I am grateful” (Mode Ani). Immediately after waking up, before leaving the house. It reminds us that we should appreciate and express gratitude for all the blessings we receive from G-d and from the people around us. We are grateful to God for protecting all Ukrainian soldiers. We help the Army and volunteer, because we are grateful to the Armed Forces for defending us. Every day in synagogues across the country, we pray for Ukraine, the leadership of the State, and all patriots. And I know that Jews all over the world are praying for our state with us in their own countries – I saw this in particular when I met with the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom in London. These prayers are said every morning as a sign of gratitude for a new day, new opportunities and blessings. They remind us that happiness is in the simple and important things, and gratitude is not just an inner state, but an action that we can manifest in our lives. And a useful habit that can and should be developed in oneself. Try to start your morning by expressing gratitude – to G-d, the Armed Forces, your parents or a loved one, your children, colleagues, the trolley bus driver or a stranger in the store. But the main thing is the country in which you live! You will see how your life and outlook change! Gratitude affects our attitude to the world and relationships with other people. I suggest everyone, regardless of religion, to appreciate every day and express gratitude for everything we have. Appreciate family. Gratitude also manifests itself in actions. This is manifested in our attitude towards other people, when we help, support and express gratitude for their presence in our lives. Our gratitude strengthens our relationships and positively affects our well-being. We give money to charity, because we thank God for our earnings. Or we dedicate our time, volunteer – because our time is sometimes more valuable than money. Now many people, not only Ukrainian Jews or other citizens of Ukraine, but also people all over the world, often give even the last thing during donations to the Armed Forces or to help injured civilians. However, it is extremely important to remember that according to Judaism, we should not give our last, so as not to become the ones who need help. In this case, it is better to just help not with money, but with your skills or time. The Importance of Family and Community Jewish culture also promotes success through the importance of family and community. The family in the Jewish tradition is the center of support and hope. Strengthening ties with family, friends, and community provides Jews with support, mutual aid, and mentorship that help them achieve success in various areas of life. It is in the family that faith, friendship, gratitude and support are taught for the first time. Do not forget one of the ten commandments, which G-d gave through Moses after the Exodus from Egypt – to honor father and mother. This is the key to success. When was the last time you talked to relatives or friends? By the way, in Ukraine, too, the culture and value of the family have always been cherished and respected. I was born in Transcarpathia, in the city of Uzhhorod, and from my childhood I remember big family holidays and many guests who were received there since ancient times, and even the Soviet authorities wanted very much to change and eradicate it, but they could not. By the way, even in Soviet times, in the 1970s, the locals there lived on friendly terms with Transcarpathian Jews, visiting each other. All these principles make our lives richer, happier and more meaningful. Belief in G-d and confidence that everything he does is done with love for us, for his sons and creations – all this gives us hope for a better future and allows us not to break down. So let faith, hope and gratitude always accompany us in life, helping to find joy and peace in our heart and helping to bring victory closer! I hope that after reading this text, you will think about who and what you are grateful for, and express it. But you will try to think more in a positive and optimistic way. Please share it. In this way, you will also help someone else to think. This is important, because another key to the success of Jews is to help others, teach them and have a good influence on them. After all, with God’s help, our victory begins with our thoughts and faith. We are approaching victory, we do not stop thanking, donating, volunteering and praying! Yonatan Beniamin Markovych, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv, specially for UP. Life Publications in the “View” section are not editorial articles and reflect exclusively the author’s point of view.

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