"Overcoming our challenges is what defines our true essence"

“There are three things that Moshe found difficult to understand: Menorah, Shekalim, and Hachodesh. Says the Vilna Gaon, the roshei teivos of these three words spell ‘Moshe.’ What this signifies is that when something is hard for you, that’s who you really are. Overcoming our challenges is what defines our true essence.”

–Rabbi Efraim Shapiro, Rav of Congregation Shaaray Tefilah in North Miami Beach, speaking at a siyum on Shisha Sidrei Mishnah made by the boys of Shlomie’s Club. Shlomie’s Club is a division of Links, an organization providing support to children who’ve lost a parent. The siyum was made in honor of the 10th yahrtzeit of Shlomie Gross a”h, a huge baal chesed and baal tzedakah who passed away suddenly at age 50. 

“We both should get out of this.”

–Rav Reuven Feinstein, rosh yeshivah in Staten Island, to Yossi Hecht, a brave young man who has undergone unimaginable difficulties and yet, as founder of the Asher to the Yatzar movement, has devoted his life to inspiring others. Yossi recently met Rav Reuven Feinstein, and both were in wheelchairs. Decades apart in age, they are bound by a common message: Hashem gave us this challenge, and Hashem can redeem us from it. 

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 907)