Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan

Putting my thoughts to “paper”. What a wave of emotions these last few weeks. So much anxiety. So much pain. Such devastation. The hate directed at our people. The attacks of October 7. The global response. All the hostages waiting to be rescued. There’s just no getting used to this. The moment you lose yourself in a happy moment, you are immediately brought back to this disturbing reality. That an enormous amount of Jewish blood has been spilled. That we have brothers and sisters taken captive by the most vicious and barbaric monsters known to humanity. We are seemingly forced into this perpetual state of worry, of concern and anxiety. For ourselves, for our families, for our communities, and especially our brothers and sisters in Israel. And if I’m feeling this way, imagine what the relatives of those murdered are feeling, witnessing the global response. Imagine the feelings of the families with loved ones held hostage. We are all as a people grieving. We are going to be grieving for a while unfortunately. There is so much that is out of our control. We have to find a place deep within where we firstly allow ourselves to experience and validate these feelings. They are normal and they are the body’s survival mechanism for coming out of this as healthy as we can. If someone is numb to what’s going on, that would be problematic. And at the same time, I think it’s important to work on our faith. Our belief that Hashem is running the world, Hashem has a plan, and we are sometimes shielded from seeing and understanding the full picture. We have the control to choose to believe in the goodness of Hashem and that we as a people will persevere, as we have through all the challenges we’ve been through over the last few thousand years. We’ve made it this far. We’re not going anywhere. Our conviction to our truth and Hashem’s Torah is stronger than anything the world can throw at us. The power of the unity currently flowing through the Jewish people is impenetrable. We are fully fused at this time. There is a deep profound joy to be found in the contemplation of that reality. Though few in number, we are strong, we are united, and we believe with full conviction as to the virtue of our cause. That we are ambassadors of Hashem. That He chose to give us the Land of Israel. That we represent a code of morality that is to be shared with the world. It cannot be erased, it cannot be extinguished. With all the hardships surrounding us, most of us could not feel prouder to be Jewish. There is so much more to write. Am Yisrael Chai. Wishing every single one of you the strength to keep going strong. Keep growing! Be the light! Shine it bright! Be fiercely proud and Jewish! May Hashem answer our plea that we see peace in our days, and return of our brothers and sisters to safety. Amen.

Everything about your life is exactly the way it needs to be in order for you to have the opportunities to bring out your greatness.

The city you’re living in, the job you have, the family you’re a part of. The list is endless. Nothing is an accident and nothing happens by mistake.

It’s all a gift. Doesn’t always feel like a gift. It can be painful, and if you are growth oriented and seeking to further your connection to the One Above, then chances are you will experience discomfort and pain. For therein lies the journey to your greatness.

So take a pause. Analyze and appreciate every single thing you have. It’s all a gift. Even the pain and struggle is a gift, for overcoming that obstacle is your ticket to eternity, to the ultimate pleasure and closeness to God.

A part of this journey involves lifting those around you. Everyone is going through something. One of the best ways to successfully navigate your own hardships is to extend yourself out of your zone and help others in their quest to achieving growth and greatness.

There’s a lot more to talk about. Digest this first! These are not my words, but those of the Mesilat Yesharim (Path of the Just) and Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart). Learn those books well and you will have an extremely happy, meaningful and fulfilling life.

Chag Kasher Vesameach!

Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan